Mughal Administration c15.s1.t1.80

c15.s1.t1.80

Ninth.—If, (God forbid it!) any calamity [270a] from earth or sky overtakes a *mahal*, strongly urge the *āmins* and *amils* to watch the standing crops with great care and fidelity ; and after inquiring into the sown fields, they should carefully ascertain [the loss] according to the comparative statement of the present and past produce (*hast-o-bud*).* You should never admit [as valid] any *sarbasta*† calamity, the discrimination (*tafriq*) of which depends solely on the reports of the *chaudhuris*, *qanungoes*, *muqaddams*, and *patwāris* ; so that all the ryots may attain to their rights and may be saved from misfortune and loss, and usurpers may not usurp [others’ rights.]