The Institutes of Akbar 9.2

9.2

whilst the other class think to have just sufficient, when they fill their treasuries, gather armies, and reflect on other means of increasing their power. It was from such views, when lifting the veil and beginning to pay attention to these weighty concerns, that his Majesty entrusted his inmost secrets to the Khwajah sarai I’tmad Khan, a name which his Majesty had bestowed upon him as a fitting title. On account of the experience of the Khwajah, the reflections of his Majesty took a practical turn, widened by degrees, and shone at last forth in excellent regulations. An enquiry regarding the income of the different kinds of land was set on foot, and successfully concluded by the wisdom of upright and experienced men. With a comprehensiveness which knew no difference between friends and strangers, the lands which paid rents into the imperial exchequer were separated from the Jaigir lands; and zealous and upright men were put in charge of the revenues, each over one kror of dams. Incorruptible bitakchis were selected to assist them, and intelligent treasurers were appointed, one for each. And from kindness and care for the agricultural classes, it was commanded that the collectors should not insist upon the husbandman paying coin of full weight, but to give him a receipt for whatever species of money he might bring.