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)
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)
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
4. COINAGE SYSTEM
- Gold Mohur (High-value)
- Silver Rupiya (Standard currency)
- Copper Dam (1/40th of a rupiya)
5. SOCIAL HIERARCHY
Classes
- Ruling Elite (Turani/Iran nobles, Rajputs)
- Middle Class (Merchants, Physicians)
- Peasants (Ryots) – 80% population
- Artisans (Weavers, Blacksmiths)
- Slaves (Domestic/Military)
Merchant Groups
- Hindu: Banias, Khatris
- Muslim: Bohras, Khojas
6. WOMEN & SOCIAL ISSUES
- Purdah – Elite practice
- Sati (Discouraged by Akbar)
- Dowry – Prevalent in upper castes
- Devadasis – Temple dancers
7. RELIGIOUS GROUPS
- Hindus: Majority, paid Jizya (Aurangzeb)
- Muslims: Ashraf (elite) vs Ajlaf (commoners)
- Sikhs: Faced persecution post-Guru Arjan (1606)
8. CULTURAL LIFE
- Food: New World crops (Tomato, Chilli)
- Clothing: Pashmina shawls, Muslin
- Festivals: Navroz (Persian New Year)
9. DECLINE FACTORS
- Agrarian Crisis: Over-taxation
- Jagirdari Collapse – Revenue Mismanagement
- European Dominance – Sea trade control
