Question

Jamabandi Reforms were the reforms of :

• A. Akbar
• B. Shershah
• C. Tipu Sultan
• D. Alaudhin Khilji

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Tipu Sultan

• The Jamabandi Reforms were the land and revenue administration reforms introduced by Tipu Sultan, the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore.

• These reforms aimed to regularize and streamline land revenue assessment and collection by establishing a direct relationship between the state and the cultivators, thereby eliminating intermediaries and preventing the exploitation of farmers by local chiefs.

• The primary changes introduced under these reforms included:

  • Elimination of Feudal Middlemen: He completely abolished the Jagirdari system (granting land to nobles) and stripped traditional intermediaries like poligars and zamindars of their revenue collection powers. Revenues were instead collected directly by appointed state officials (Amils).

  • Classification of Land: Land was systematically surveyed and categorized into four primary types based on use and irrigation: Wet (Kushki), Dry (Tari), Hissa, and Ijra.

  • Standardized Productivity Units: Rather than rough area estimates, tax assessment was calculated using standardized state weights, measures, and sowing capacity units (Candy).

  • Redistribution of Inam Lands: He audited and recovered previously tax-exempt Inam (gifted or endowment) lands, keeping only what was strictly required for the upkeep of religious institutions and redistributing the rest to landless laborers.

  • Cash Salaries for State Servants: To prevent local exploitation and arbitrary taxing of peasants, court ministers, noblemen, and army commanders were paid strictly in cash rather than via village land assignments.