A History of Agriculture in India v2.c74.s9.1

v2.c74.s9.1

A question is often asked whether the agrarian system prevailing under Akbar's rule was *zamindari* or *ryatwari*. Moreland replies that it comprised both. There was a general recognition of the peasant's title to permanent and hereditary occupancy of the land he tilled. The inviolability of occupancy right of the peasants was recognized in regulations of Akbar. Akbar cautioned revenue officials against entering in their records 'peasant holdings' (*raiyat-kashta*) as 'personally cultivated lands' (*khud-kashta*) of *madad-i-maash* holders.