Mughal Era Land Revenue System

The Land Revenue System

• Land revenue formed the main source of the income of the Mughal state. It was called Maal. It was not a tax on land but was a tax on crops. It was realised as surplus produce from the peasants by the state.
• Abul Fazl in Ain-iAkbari justifies the imposition of tax by the state saying that no moral limits could be set for the demand of rulers from his subjects. The subject ought to be thankful even if he were made to part with all his possessions by the protector of his life and honour.
• Abul Fazl ....