Question

This is an excerpt from Aurangzeb’s order to his revenue official, 1665: He should direct the amins of the parganas that they should discover the actual conditions of cultivation (maujudat), village by village, peasant-wise (asamiwar), and after minute scrutiny, assess the jama, keeping in view the financial interests (kifayat) of the government, and the welfare of the peasantry

Why do you think the emperor insisted on a detailed survey?

Answer 1

1. Aurangzeb wanted officials to know the actual condition of cultivation in every village.
2. A detailed survey helped the state find out how much land was cultivated and how much produce could be expected.
3. It allowed officials to assess revenue village by village and peasant by peasant.
4. The survey helped prevent the government from demanding more revenue than the cultivators could afford.
5. It also helped protect the financial interests of the state by making the assessment more accurate.
6. A careful survey reduced the chances of wrong or unfair revenue assessment.

Thus, Aurangzeb insisted on a detailed survey to maintain a balance between government revenue and the welfare of the peasants.