With reference to Mughal India, what is/are the difference/differences between Jagirdar and Zamindar?

1. Jagirdars were holders of land assignments in lieu of judicial and police duties, whereas Zamindars were holders of revenue rights without obligation to perform any duty other than revenue collection.

2. Land assignments to Jagirdars were hereditary and revenue rights of Zamindars were not hereditary.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct answer is Option 4Key PointsJagirdars:

•  Jagirdars were officials who were granted land assignments (jagirs) by the Mughal emperor,  in lieu of service, particularly military or administrative duties.
•  Jagirdars did not necessarily have hereditary rights over their jagirs. The land could be reassigned or revoked by the emperor based on performance or loyalty. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• They had obligations to maintain law and order and collect revenue, which they would then remit to the Mughal treasury.

Zamindars:

•  Zamindars were landowners who held rights over land primarily for revenue collection. They acted as intermediaries between the peasants and the Mughal state.
•  Zamindari rights were generally hereditary, meaning that these rights could be passed down through generations within a family.
• Their primary duty was to collect revenue from the peasants, but they  did not have the same obligations related to military service or administration as Jagirdars.
• Statement 1 is partially correct regarding Jagirdars but misleading about Zamindars. While it correctly identifies Jagirdars' obligations, it oversimplifies Zamindars' roles, as they also had responsibilities beyond mere revenue collection. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.