Correct Option
The correct option isTodar Mal
Explanation
The agrarian and revenue administration reforms introduced during the Mughal period, specifically the standardization of land revenue assessment under Emperor Akbar.
Detailed Analysis:
- Raja Todar Mal: He served as the Finance Minister (Diwan-i-Ashraf) under Akbar. In 1580, he introduced a new system of revenue collection known as the Dahsala System (or Bandobast system). Under this system, he carried out a careful survey of crop yields and prices cultivated for a 10-year period (1570–1580). The average produce of different crops as well as the average prices prevailing over the last ten years were calculated, and one-third of the average produce was fixed as the state’s share.
- Abul Fazl: He was the court historian and the author of Akbarnama and Ain-i-Akbari. While he documented the administration, he was not the minister responsible for implementing the revenue survey.
- Birbal: He was one of the Navratnas (nine gems) and a close companion of Akbar, known for his wit and role in the Din-i-Ilahi, but he was not involved in revenue administration.
- Man Singh: He was a trusted general and commander (Mansabdar) in Akbar’s army, known for leading military campaigns, not for revenue reforms.
Key Takeaway:
Raja Todar Mal is the architect of the Dahsala System, which standardized Mughal land revenue based on a decennial average of yields and prices.