Mughal Administration c15.s1.t1.7

c15.s1.t1.7

[*Commentary*, 114*a* :—The second clause proves that the only business of peasants is to cultivate and so pay the revenue of the State and take their own share of the crop. If they lack the materials of cultivation, they should get *taqāvi* from the Government, because, as the king is the owner [of the land], it is proper that when the cultivators are helpless they should be supplied with the materials of agriculture. The Emperor's desire is the first. And threatening, beating and chastisement are [ordered] with this view that, as the king is the owner, [and] always likes mercy and justice,—therefore it is necessary that the ryots too should, according to their own custom, make great exertions to increase the cultivation, so that the signs of agriculture may daily increase. This thing is the cause of the gain of the State and the benefit of the ryots.]