A History of Agriculture in India v2.c85.5

v2.c85.5

Aurangzeb had acquired considerable administrative experience as viceroy of Deccan. In 1653 he started the reorganization of the finances of Deccan. He also showed concern for the welfare of the peasantry. ‘As soon as the financial situation was well in hand Aurangzeb devoted himself with his wonted energy to the amelioration of the condition of the peasantry and the extension of cultivation,’ states Ishwari Prasad. He continues, ‘Shah Jahan, who did not appreciate the difficulties of the task, charged him with slackness, and at one time even threatened to reduce his allowance. But the prince persevered in his attempt, and in this work he was assisted by Murshid Quli Khan, an officer of rare administrative genius.