The correct Answer is A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2
Explanation
The question pertains to the classification of land categories during the Mughal period, specifically as described by Abu’l Fazl in the Ain-i Akbari. This classification was based on the continuity of cultivation and the fallow periods observed to maintain soil fertility.
Statement-wise Analysis
- A. Banjar - Correct
- Justification: Banjar land was described as land uncultivated for five years or more. This extended fallow period indicated very poor soil quality or lack of irrigation, making it unsuitable for regular cultivation.
- B. Parauti - Correct
- Justification: Parauti land was left out of cultivation for a time (one or two years) to recover its fertility. This was a common practice to allow the soil to regain nutrients before further cultivation.
- C. Polaj - Correct
- Justification: Polaj was the best land, annually cultivated for each crop in succession and never allowed to lie fallow. This implied highly fertile land with adequate irrigation.
- D. Chachar - Correct
- Justification: Chachar land was left fallow for three or four years. This category represented land that required a longer recovery period than parauti but was not as barren as banjar.
Therefore, the correct matching is A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2.
Key Takeaway
The Mughal land classification system, particularly as detailed in Ain-i Akbari, categorized land based on its fertility and cultivation frequency, including Polaj (annually cultivated), Parauti (fallow for a year or two), Chachar (fallow for three or four years), and Banjar (fallow for five years or more).