Consider the following statements regarding the 'Zabt' revenue system: 1. It was based on a rough estimate of crop yields without any survey. 2. Each province was divided into revenue circles with its own schedule of revenue rates for individual crops. 3. This system was prevalent in areas where Mughal administrators could survey the land and keep careful accounts. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only. Explanation The Zabt system (or Bandobast system) was a land revenue assessment method that evolved during the reign of Akbar, largely attributed to his finance minister, Raja Todar Mal. It marked a shift from rough estimation to a system based on the precise measurement of land and the classification of soil productivity. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Zabt system was fundamentally based on the measurement of land and the assessment of actual produce. It was not a rough estimate. Systems based on rough estimates or inspection without measurement were known as Kankut or Nasaq. Under Zabt, land was measured using bamboo jars joined by iron rings (Tanab), and revenue was fixed based on the average yield of the past ten years (Dahsala). - Statement 2 is Correct. To account for regional variations in productivity and prices, each province (Suba) was divided into revenue circles. For each circle, a specific schedule of revenue rates, known as Dastur-ul-amal, was prepared for individual crops. This ensured that a peasant in a fertile region with high prices did not pay the same rate as one in a less productive area. - Statement 3 is Correct. The Zabt system required rigorous administrative oversight, including land measurement and the maintenance of detailed accounts. Consequently, it was only prevalent in areas where the Mughal administration could effectively survey the land. It was implemented in provinces like Delhi, Agra, Awadh, Allahabad, and Lahore. It was not possible to implement it in provinces like Gujarat and Bengal during the early stages due to administrative difficulties and local resistance. Key Takeaway: The Zabt system relied on land measurement and specific cash rates for crops (Dasturs), distinguishing it from summary assessment methods like Kankut or Batai.

NCERT Class 7 History — Chapter 4: The Mughals (16th to 17th Century)

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Consider the following statements regarding the 'Zabt' revenue system:

It was based on a rough estimate of crop yields without any survey.
Each province was divided into revenue circles with its own schedule of revenue rates for individual crops.
This system was prevalent in areas where Mughal administrators could survey the land and keep careful accounts.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

The Zabt system (or Bandobast system) was a land revenue assessment method that evolved during the reign of Akbar, largely attributed to his finance minister, Raja Todar Mal. It marked a shift from rough estimation to a system based on the precise measurement of land and the classification of soil productivity.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Zabt system was fundamentally based on the measurement of land and the assessment of actual produce. It was not a rough estimate. Systems based on rough estimates or inspection without measurement were known as Kankut or Nasaq. Under Zabt, land was measured using bamboo jars joined by iron rings (Tanab), and revenue was fixed based on the average yield of the past ten years (Dahsala).
Statement 2 is Correct. To account for regional variations in productivity and prices, each province (Suba) was divided into revenue circles. For each circle, a specific schedule of revenue rates, known as Dastur-ul-amal, was prepared for individual crops. This ensured that a peasant in a fertile region with high prices did not pay the same rate as one in a less productive area.
Statement 3 is Correct. The Zabt system required rigorous administrative oversight, including land measurement and the maintenance of detailed accounts. Consequently, it was only prevalent in areas where the Mughal administration could effectively survey the land. It was implemented in provinces like Delhi, Agra, Awadh, Allahabad, and Lahore. It was not possible to implement it in provinces like Gujarat and Bengal during the early stages due to administrative difficulties and local resistance.

Key Takeaway: The Zabt system relied on land measurement and specific cash rates for crops (Dasturs), distinguishing it from summary assessment methods like Kankut or Batai.

Your note

More from Chapter 4: The Mughals (16th to 17th Century)

With reference to the lineage of the Mughals, consider the following statements: 1. From their mother’s side, they were descendants of the Mongol ruler Genghis Khan. 2. From their father’s side, they were the successors of the Uzbeg ruler Shaibani Khan. 3. The Mughals took pride in their Timurid ancestry rather than their Mongol descent. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the Mughal traditions of succession: 1. The Mughals strictly followed the rule of primogeniture, where the eldest son inherited the father's estate. 2. They adopted the Timurid custom of coparcenary inheritance. 3. The inheritance was divided amongst all the sons. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the military technology used in the sixteenth century, consider the following statements: 1. Cannons were an important addition to warfare during this period. 2. Babur relied solely on archers and did not use gunpowder technology in the first battle of Panipat. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the early career of the first Mughal emperor, Babur: 1. He succeeded to the throne of Ferghana in 1494 when he was only 12 years old. 2. He was forced to leave his ancestral throne due to the invasion of the Uzbegs. 3. He seized Kabul in 1504 before capturing Delhi in 1526. 4. He defeated Ibrahim Lodi at Panipat to establish control over Agra and Delhi. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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Consider the following statements regarding Mughal relations with other rulers: 1. The Mughals campaigned constantly against rulers who refused to accept their authority. 2. Once a ruler was defeated, the Mughals usually humiliated them to ensure future loyalty. 3. The Rajputs were the only group that consistently refused to join the Mughal service. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Zabt system was fundamentally based on the measurement of land and the assessment of actual produce. It was not a rough estimate. Systems based on rough estimates or inspection without measurement were known as Kankut or Nasaq. Under Zabt, land was measured using bamboo jars joined by iron rings (Tanab), and revenue was fixed based on the average yield of the past ten years (Dahsala).
Statement 2 is Correct. To account for regional variations in productivity and prices, each province (Suba) was divided into revenue circles. For each circle, a specific schedule of revenue rates, known as Dastur-ul-amal, was prepared for individual crops. This ensured that a peasant in a fertile region with high prices did not pay the same rate as one in a less productive area.
Statement 3 is Correct. The Zabt system required rigorous administrative oversight, including land measurement and the maintenance of detailed accounts. Consequently, it was only prevalent in areas where the Mughal administration could effectively survey the land. It was implemented in provinces like Delhi, Agra, Awadh, Allahabad, and Lahore. It was not possible to implement it in provinces like Gujarat and Bengal during the early stages due to administrative difficulties and local resistance.

Key Takeaway: The Zabt system relied on land measurement and specific cash rates for crops (Dasturs), distinguishing it from summary assessment methods like Kankut or Batai.