Zabti Or Bandobast System
Raja Todar Mal, the Diwan found the old jama (assessment) figures unreliable and hence collected correct figures from the qanungos and in the 15th regnal year the new jama came into force. Khalisa land was divided into circles, each yielding revenue of one karor (crore). That is why it is known as the karori experiment.
Each circle was placed under a revenue official called Karori. The aim was to make as extensive a measurement as possible, then use it as a basis for compiling a new general assessment. Instead of a rope, a jarib made of bamboo sticks joined by iron rings, came to be used for measuring land.
Measurement was not possible in all subahs of the empire. That is why in some subahs the old systems continued. Thus, wherever possible measurement was undertaken and sufficient information was acquired. All these measures were part of a new system of revenue calculation, called the zabti system.
Dahsala System – Akbar’s Administrative System
On the basis of the above zabti system, fresh reforms were undertaken by Todar Mal. These reforms were collectively known as Ain-i-Dahsala. Under this system land was classified into four categories, viz., polaj – annually cultivated, parauti – left fallow for a short period (1 or 2 years), chachar – left fallow for 3 to 4 years, and banjar – uncultivated for 5 years or more.
Todar Mal introduced a uniform unit of measurement, Ilahi gaz, which had 41 digits. Further, a decennial survey of every paragana was conducted to ascertain the category of cultivation and level of prices. The aim was to introduce a permanent jama (dastur ulamal) and remove difficulties and delays associated with yearly sanctions. So in 1580, final dasturs giving cash rates per bigha were prepared for different localities.
Dahsala System – Mode of Payment
The payment was made generally in cash, though there were some exceptions. For example, in Kashmir and Orissa, it was in kind.
Dahsala System – Machinery for Collection
There was a patwari at the village level. He kept a bahi, i.e., a register containing information about cultivators, their lands and assessed revenue. It was the most important document and served as evidence in settling disputes. There were the qanungos at the paragana level who maintained records. At the sarkar level, amil or amalguzar was assisted by karkuns and khazanadar. All these officials worked under the supervision of the provincial diwan, who was directly under the diwan at the centre.
Measurement was not possible in all subahs of the empire. That is why in some subahs the old systems continued. Thus, wherever possible measurement was undertaken and sufficient information was acquired. All these measures were part of a new system of revenue calculation, called the zabti system.
Dahsala System
On the basis of the above zabti system, fresh reforms were undertaken by Todar Mal. These reforms were collectively known as Ain-i-Dahsala. Under this system land was classified into four categories, viz., polaj – annually cultivated, parauti – left fallow for a short period (1 or 2 years), chachar – left fallow for 3 to 4 years, and banjar – uncultivated for 5 years or more.
Todar Mal introduced a uniform unit of measurement, Ilahi gaz, which had 41 digits. Further, a decennial survey of every paragana was conducted to ascertain the category of cultivation and level of prices. The aim was to introduce a permanent jama (dastur ulamal) and remove difficulties and delays associated with yearly sanctions. So in 1580, final dasturs giving cash rates per bigha were prepared for different localities.