Previous Year Question
Who among the following was the continuing link between Sher Shah and Akbar in the field of land revenue administration?
Birbal
Todar Mal
Bhagwan Das
Bhar Mal
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
Raja Todar Mal is regarded as an important continuing link between the land-revenue systems of Sher Shah Suri and Akbar. The principal reason is that he acquired experience in land and revenue administration while working under Sher Shah's administration and later played an important role in the development of revenue administration under Akbar.
During the reign of Sher Shah Suri, 1540–1545 CE, efforts were made to systematize land revenue through measurement of land, assessment of average crop yields and determination of the state's share. Revenue was assessed with reference to different categories of land and crops, and the state's demand was generally fixed at about one-third of the average produce.
In his early administrative career, Todar Mal acquired practical experience in land and revenue management under Sher Shah's administration. Historical material available through IGNCA explicitly states that he gained valuable experience in the management of lands and revenues under Sher Shah's administration.
Todar Mal later entered Akbar's service. Initially, he worked with Muzaffar Khan in revenue matters and subsequently undertook the settlement of revenue in regions including Gujarat. In 1582 CE, he became the chief finance minister.
Under Akbar, the revenue system was further systematized. Land measurement, crop production, prices and data accumulated over a number of years were used for revenue assessment. The Akbar-period dahsala or zabt system is commonly associated with Todar Mal.
It is important, however, to understand that Akbar's entire revenue system was not created at one moment by a single individual. IGNOU shows that it was a gradual administrative development, in which Muzaffar Khan, Todar Mal and other officials contributed at different stages. Todar Mal's particular importance lay in connecting earlier administrative experience with more systematic measurement, statistical data and revenue assessment.
Therefore, the principal figure who carried experience from Sher Shah's revenue administration into the development of Akbar's system was Todar Mal.