Mughal Administration c15.s1.t1.10

c15.s1.t1.10

*Fourth.*—Inform yourself about the tracts of fallow (*uftāda*) land which have not returned to cultivation. If they be among the roads and highways, enter them among the area (? *banā*) of towns and villages, in order that none may till them. And if you find any tract other than these, which contains a field incapable of tillage, then do not trouble anybody for the sake of its revenue. But if it be capable of cultivation, or is really a piece of land fallen into ruin (*bāir*), then in both these cases, in the event of the land having an owner and that owner being present and able to cultivate it, urge the owner to till it. But if the land has no owner, or if the owner is unknown, give it to a man who can reclaim it to reclaim. Therefore, if the lessee be a Muhammadan and the land [117*a*] adjoins a tract paying tithes (*ushr*), assess tithes on it ; if it adjoins a rent-paying tract, or if the reclaimer of the land be an infidel, lay the revenue on it without abatement. In case deduction has to be made from the [standard] revenue, as you may find politic either assess the land at something per bigha by way of unalterable rent,—what is called *kharāj-i-muqat‘at*,*—or lay on it the prescribed revenue of half the crop,—which is called *kharāj-i-muqāsema*. If the owner be known, but is quite unable to cultivate it, then if the land had been previously subject to *kharāj-i-muqāsema*, act according to the order issued [for this class of revenue]. But if it be not subject to *kharāj-i-muqāsema* or is not bearing any crop, then do not trouble [the owner] for tithes or revenue. But if he be poor, engage him in cultivation by advancing *taqāvi*.