Important keywords for Economy & Society during mughal period for upsc

1. AGRICULTURE & LAND REVENUE

Key Systems

• Zabt System (Akbar) – Standardized cash revenue
• Dahsala (Todar Mal) – 10-year yield assessment
• Batai/Ghalla Bakshi – Crop-sharing (1/3rd to 1/2)
• Polaj (Annual cultivation), Parauti (Fallow)

Revenue Terms

• Jama (Assessed) vs Hasil (Collected)
• Taccavi Loans – Advances to peasants
• Zamindars – Revenue intermediaries (20-25% share)

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2. TRADE & COMMERCE

Domestic Trade

• Banjaras – Mobile trading communities
• Sarraf – Bankers/money-changers
• Hundis – Bills of exchange

International Trade

• Major Ports:
• Surat (Gujarat) – European hub
• Hooghly (Bengal) – Portuguese trade
• Masulipatnam (Textile exports)
• Commodities:
• Textiles: Dacca muslin, Calico
• Spices: Pepper (Malabar)
• Indigo: Bayana (Best quality)

European Factories

• EIC (1600), Dutch VOC (1602), French (1664)

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3. URBANISATION & INDUSTRIES

• Mega Cities: Agra, Delhi, Lahore (1 M+ population)
• Karkhanas – Royal workshops (luxury goods)
• Textile Hubs:
• Dacca – Muslin
• Lahore – Shawls
• Ahmedabad – Silk
• Mining: Golconda diamonds, Bihar saltpetre

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4. COINAGE SYSTEM

• Gold Mohur (High-value)
• Silver Rupiya (Standard currency)
• Copper Dam (1/40th of a rupiya)

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5. SOCIAL HIERARCHY

Classes

1. Ruling Elite (Turani/Iran nobles, Rajputs)
2. Middle Class (Merchants, Physicians)
3. Peasants (Ryots) – 80% population
4. Artisans (Weavers, Blacksmiths)
5. Slaves (Domestic/Military)

Merchant Groups

• Hindu: Banias, Khatris
• Muslim: Bohras, Khojas

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6. WOMEN & SOCIAL ISSUES

• Purdah – Elite practice
• Sati (Discouraged by Akbar)
• Dowry – Prevalent in upper castes
• Devadasis – Temple dancers

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7. RELIGIOUS GROUPS

• Hindus: Majority, paid Jizya (Aurangzeb)
• Muslims: Ashraf (elite) vs Ajlaf (commoners)
• Sikhs: Faced persecution post-Guru Arjan (1606)

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8. CULTURAL LIFE

• Food: New World crops (Tomato, Chilli)
• Clothing: Pashmina shawls, Muslin
• Festivals: Navroz (Persian New Year)

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9. DECLINE FACTORS

• Agrarian Crisis: Over-taxation
• Jagirdari Collapse – Revenue Mismanagement
• European Dominance – Sea trade control

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