Mughal Administration c9.s1.2

c9.s1.2

The Indian peasant's habitual reluctance to pay revenue was partly due to the fact that he derived little benefit from the Government in return for the revenue paid; but it was mainly because of the uncertainty of that Government. I have explained already how the State in Mughal India performed no socialistic duties, but simply undertook to defend the country from invaders and rebels. Even this work of national defence was badly done at times, while the policing of the villages against thieves and robbers was done by a village agency which was not remunerated out of the State revenue, but from the villagers' own contribution. Thus, the ryot received nothing visible in return for which Government might fairly demand from him a share of the fruits of his labour.