NCERT Class 12 History — Chapter 4: Peasants, Zamindars and the State - Agrarian Society and the Mughal Empire (c. 16th - 17th centuries)

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In the context of the power of zamindars during the Mughal period, the term qilachas refers to:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AIrrigation canals
BSmall fortresses
CRevenue records
DRoyal decrees

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Solution

The correct option is Small fortresses.

Explanation

In the Mughal agrarian and political structure, zamindars were a landed class who enjoyed certain hereditary rights over land and revenue. Beyond their role in revenue collection, they held significant local power and often maintained their own military contingents.

Analysis of the Term:

The term qilachas refers to small fortresses or mud forts.
Zamindars constructed these forts to consolidate their authority, store resources, and defend their territories.
According to the Ain-i-Akbari, the zamindars in the Mughal Empire possessed a vast military strength, including cavalry, artillery, and infantry. To support this military capability and assert autonomy-sometimes even resisting the central authority-they maintained numerous qilachas across the countryside.
These structures were a physical manifestation of the zamindars' power and their ability to challenge the state or rival chieftains.

Key Takeaway:
Qilachas were small forts maintained by zamindars during the Mughal period, serving as strongholds for their military contingents and symbols of their local authority.

Your note

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The correct option is Small fortresses.

Explanation

Analysis of the Term:

The term qilachas refers to small fortresses or mud forts.
Zamindars constructed these forts to consolidate their authority, store resources, and defend their territories.
According to the Ain-i-Akbari, the zamindars in the Mughal Empire possessed a vast military strength, including cavalry, artillery, and infantry. To support this military capability and assert autonomy-sometimes even resisting the central authority-they maintained numerous qilachas across the countryside.
These structures were a physical manifestation of the zamindars' power and their ability to challenge the state or rival chieftains.

Key Takeaway:
Qilachas were small forts maintained by zamindars during the Mughal period, serving as strongholds for their military contingents and symbols of their local authority.