Examine the evidence that suggests that land revenue was important for the Mughal fiscal system.
Land revenue was the economic mainstay of the Mughal Empire, making it vital for the state's financial stability. The Mughals created an elaborate administrative apparatus, including the office of the diwan, to ensure control over agricultural production and collect revenue from across the empire.
The state carefully acquired specific information about agricultural lands and their produce before fixing taxes. Revenue arrangements consisted of two stages – jama (amount assessed) and hasil (amount collected). The state aimed to maximise its claims while fixing revenue.
Additionally, land revenue was crucial for paying the mansabdars. While some were paid in cash, the majority received payment through assignments of revenue called jagirs in different regions. This demonstrates how central land revenue was to the entire Mughal fiscal system.
Explanation
The answer draws directly from the textbook context which explicitly states that 'Revenue from the land was the economic mainstay of the Mughal Empire.' The evidence includes: (1) creation of administrative apparatus under the diwan, (2) systematic assessment and collection process (jama and hasil), (3) detailed land classification under Akbar, and (4) use of revenue assignments (jagirs) to pay mansabdars. These points collectively establish land revenue's central importance.