The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c22.68

v4.c22.68

The change may be looked at in another light. From the time of Akbar onwards, the service of the state had been the only possible career for men of talent, energy and ambition; and to such men it offered ample or even extravagant rewards. It is true that they could not hope to found wealthy families, because on their death their accumulations ordinarily reverted to the state; but, if successful themselves, they could be sure of obtaining for their sons and grandsons a good start in the same career, and, given the necessary personal qualifications, one generation might follow another in positions of power and affluence. In the eighteenth century, the service of a decaying empire ceased to attract, while a new avenue was opened for ambition, an avenue which led in the direction of kingship, and the revenue farm was one of the first stages on the road; it was now better to be a farmer than an assignee.