Dahsala system
Dahsala is an Indian system of land taxation which was introduced in A.D. 1580 under the reign of Akbar. This system was introduced by the finance minister of Akbar, Raja Todar Mal, who was appointed in A.D. 1573 in Gujarat, and it helped to make the system of tax collection from non-muslims more organised.
The Zabti system, also known as the Dahsala system, was a land revenue system introduced during the Mughal period, primarily associated with Emperor Akbar’s reign. It aimed to standardize revenue collection by measuring land, assessing crop yields and prices, and fixing a cash revenue demand. This system was a significant attempt to reform the revenue administration and ensure a regular income for the state.
Key Features of the Zabti System:
- Land Measurement and Classification: Land was systematically measured (often using bighas) and classified based on its fertility and productivity.
- Assessment of Crop Yields and Prices: A detailed survey was conducted to determine average crop yields and prices over a ten-year period, according to a history site.
- Fixed Cash Revenue Demand: Based on the assessment, a fixed cash revenue demand was set for each crop, making revenue collection more predictable.
- Revenue Collection in Cash: The system primarily favored cash payments, which helped standardize the economic system, according to historical resources.
- Role of Raja Todar Mal: Todar Mal, Akbar’s revenue minister, played a crucial role in implementing and overseeing the Zabti system.
Purpose and Impact:
- Regular Income for the State: The system was designed to ensure a stable and predictable revenue stream for the Mughal Empire.
- Fairer Taxation: By standardizing assessments, the Zabti system aimed to provide a more equitable and transparent system of taxation for farmers, according to a history blog.
- Economic Growth: Some scholars say the system encouraged economic expansion by providing a more secure environment for agricultural production and trade.
- Potential Drawbacks: Despite its benefits, the system also had some drawbacks, such as the potential for revenue officials to abuse their power and the risk borne by peasants during adverse agricultural conditions.