With reference to the crops cultivated in the Mughal Empire, consider the following statements: 1. The term jins-i kamil referred to perfect crops or cash crops like cotton and sugarcane. 2. Maize was introduced into India via Africa and Spain during the seventeenth century. 3. Tobacco was unknown in northern India before the reign of Aurangzeb. 4. The Mughal state discouraged the cultivation of cash crops to ensure food security. Which of the statements given above are correct?

The correct option is 1 and 2 only . Explanation Agriculture formed the backbone of the Mughal economy. The state derived the bulk of its income from land revenue and, therefore, actively monitored and influenced agricultural production. The Mughal administration classified crops based on their revenue potential and encouraged the cultivation of high-value crops. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: The Mughal state encouraged peasants to cultivate crops that yielded higher revenue. These high-value crops were termed jins-i kamil (literally, "perfect crops"). Cotton and sugarcane were the most prominent examples of jins-i kamil, as they brought more cash to the state treasury compared to basic food grains. - Statement 2 is Correct: Maize (makka) is a crop of New World origin. It was introduced into India via Africa and Spain during the seventeenth century. By the end of the seventeenth century, it had become a major crop in western India and subsequently spread to other regions. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: Tobacco arrived in India initially through the Deccan and spread to northern India in the early years of the seventeenth century. It was introduced to the Mughal court during the reign of Akbar (specifically in 1604). His successor, Jahangir, was so concerned about its widespread addiction that he banned its consumption. Therefore, it was well-known long before the reign of Aurangzeb (1658-1707). - Statement 4 is Incorrect: The Mughal state did not discourage cash crops; on the contrary, it actively encouraged their cultivation. Since revenue was collected in cash in many provinces, and cash crops (jins-i kamil) commanded higher market prices and tax rates, the state incentivized farmers to shift from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture wherever possible. Key Takeaway: The Mughal agrarian economy was characterized by the promotion of jins-i kamil (cash crops like cotton, sugarcane, and oilseeds) to maximize state revenue. New crops like maize and tobacco were integrated into Indian agriculture during the seventeenth century.

With reference to the crops cultivated in… - NCERT Class 12 History MCQ

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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With reference to the crops cultivated in the Mughal Empire, consider the following statements:

The term jins-i kamil referred to perfect crops or cash crops like cotton and sugarcane.
Maize was introduced into India via Africa and Spain during the seventeenth century.
Tobacco was unknown in northern India before the reign of Aurangzeb.
The Mughal state discouraged the cultivation of cash crops to ensure food security.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Themes in Indian History - 2 · Page 200

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C3 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

1 and 2 only

Explanation

Agriculture formed the backbone of the Mughal economy. The state derived the bulk of its income from land revenue and, therefore, actively monitored and influenced agricultural production. The Mughal administration classified crops based on their revenue potential and encouraged the cultivation of high-value crops.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The Mughal state encouraged peasants to cultivate crops that yielded higher revenue. These high-value crops were termed jins-i kamil (literally, "perfect crops"). Cotton and sugarcane were the most prominent examples of jins-i kamil, as they brought more cash to the state treasury compared to basic food grains.
Statement 2 is Correct: Maize (makka) is a crop of New World origin. It was introduced into India via Africa and Spain during the seventeenth century. By the end of the seventeenth century, it had become a major crop in western India and subsequently spread to other regions.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Tobacco arrived in India initially through the Deccan and spread to northern India in the early years of the seventeenth century. It was introduced to the Mughal court during the reign of Akbar (specifically in 1604). His successor, Jahangir, was so concerned about its widespread addiction that he banned its consumption. Therefore, it was well-known long before the reign of Aurangzeb (1658-1707).
Statement 4 is Incorrect: The Mughal state did not discourage cash crops; on the contrary, it actively encouraged their cultivation. Since revenue was collected in cash in many provinces, and cash crops (jins-i kamil) commanded higher market prices and tax rates, the state incentivized farmers to shift from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture wherever possible.

Key Takeaway:
The Mughal agrarian economy was characterized by the promotion of jins-i kamil (cash crops like cotton, sugarcane, and oilseeds) to maximize state revenue. New crops like maize and tobacco were integrated into Indian agriculture during the seventeenth century.

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