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How did Akbar improve revenue assessment and tax collection?
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Akbar
A painting titled Akbar Hunting from a folio of Akbarnama (“History of Akbar”), late 16th century; in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City.
Akbar improved revenue assessment and tax collection by implementing a centralized, systematic approach designed to protect peasants from arbitrary demands and ensure state profitability. Under the supervision of his minister Todar Mal, he developed the zabt system, which became the standard for northern India.123
Key reforms included:
- Data-Driven Assessment: Akbar utilized 10 years of local statistics on productivity and price fluctuations to calculate average yields and values for various crops.1
- Standardized Measurement: He replaced the imprecise use of hemp ropes with a more accurate method using bamboo poles joined by iron rings to measure land area.1
- Permanent Schedules: Districts with similar agricultural conditions were grouped into circles to apply consistent revenue rates.1
- Cash Taxation: Revenue was typically fixed at one-third of the produce value and required payment in copper coins (dāms), compelling peasants to participate in the market economy.13
- Administrative Oversight: He placed a civil administrator, the diwan, alongside provincial governors to supervise collection and report directly to the emperor, while a network of newswriters provided additional oversight to prevent abuse.23