Author: Irfan Habib
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Year: 2002
Language: English
Pages: 546
ISBN/UPC (if available): 0195655958
Description
This is a new edition of a classic first published in 1963. It contains much that is fresh in both description and perception.
The words Agrarian System in the title should be understood to encompass not only land revenue administration but also agrarian economy and social structure. The chronological limits are formally set at Akbar's accession (1556) and Aurangzeb's death (1707), the two dates defining the classic period of the Mughal Empire.
The text of this edition has been revised, rewritten extensively and much information has been added from documents and texts that were collected since the appearance of the first edition. As a result, despite attempts at shortening the earlier text at many places, the length of both texts and notes has in the net expanded considerably.
There is also an expanded bibliography, a new descriptive index, and new illustrations and maps.
EXCERPTS FROM REVIEWS OF The First Edition:
‘Once in a very long while something happens to stir the…extensive waters of Indian historiography. The publication of Irfan Habib’s ‘The Agrarian System of Mughal India is generally recognized-even in the most unlikely quarters-as one of these rare occasions.’
-Tapan Raychaudhuri, ‘Enquiry’
… a brilliant achievement in breadth and depth…
-Percival Spear, A History of India, Vo. 2
‘The author’s diligent search for sources and careful scrutiny of the texts deserve the highest praise.’
-Riazul Islam, ‘Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African studies’
Contents
Preface
Excerpts from Preface to the First edition
I AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION
Extent of Cultivation
Means of Cultivation and Irrigation
The Crops and Other Agricultural Produce
Agricultural Manufactures
II TRADE IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE
Long-distance Trade
Local Trade; the Peasant and the Market
Movements of Agricultural Prices
III MATERIAL CONDITIONS OF THE LIFE OF
THE PEASANTRY
General Description
Famines
IV THE PEASANT AND THE VILLAGE
COMMUNITY
Agrarian Property; the Peasant and the Land
Peasants and Labourers
The Village Community
Village Officials
V THE ZAMINDARS
Nature of Zamindari Right
Genesis, Composition and Strength of the Zamindar Class
Imperial Administration and the Zamindars
Autonomous Chiefs
VI THE LAND REVENUE
Magnitude of the Land-Revenue Demand
Methods of Land-Revenue Assessment
The Systems of Revenue Assessment
in the Different Regions
The Basis Unit of assessment; the
Individual Peasant Holding and the Village
The Medium of Payment
Collection of Land Revenue
Rural Taxes and Exactions Other than Land Revenue
Methods of Relief and Agricultural Development
VII REVENUE ASSIGNMENTS
Jagirs and Khalisa
The Machinery of Revenue Administration
VIII REVENUE ASSIGNMENTS
IX THE AGRARIAN CRISIS OF THE MUGHAL EMPIRE
The Empire and the Assignment system
Oppression of the Peasantry
Armed Resistance by the Peasantry
The Political Role of the Zamindars
Agrarian Aspects of the Revolts
Against the Mughals Empire
APPENDICES
A.MEASURES OF LAND
Gaz-i Sikandari
Gaz-i LLahi
Bigha-i Daftari
B.WEIGHTS
Standard Mans
The Mans and Other Weights
Used in the Various Regions
Weights used in European Sources
C.THE COINAGE AND THE GOLD AND COPPER
VALUE OF THE RUPEE
The Coinage
Gold Value of the Rupee
Copper Value of the Rupee
The ‘Price Revolution’ in India
D.REVENUE STATISTIC
Jama
Hasil
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Contemporary and Earlier Sources
Modern Works
ABBREVIATIONS
INDEX
ILLUSTRATIONS AND MAPS
Iron ploughshare; Geared water-lift
Map: Indus Basin and the Doab. Rivers and canals
The oilman and his mill
Kabir preaching
Peasant listening to sufic singers
Maps: Jat Zamindari, 1595 and 1844