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61-936: Raja Todar Mal (1523-24 – 8 November 1589) was an Indian minister, economist, and military commander who served as the Finance Minister (Diwan-i-Ashraff) of the Mughal empire during the reign of Akbar I . He was also the Vakil-us-Sultanat (Counsellor of the Empire) and Joint Wazir . He was one of the premier nobles in the Mughal Empire and was a Mansabdar of 4000. He was one of the Navaratnas in Akbar's court. Under Todar Mal, there were 15 other Dewans nominated for 15 Subahs of Akbar . Todar Mal

122-549: A federal country . In these cases their powers may be substantially limited by superior legislative or fiscal policy, notably the control of taxation, spending, currency, inter-bank interest rates and the money supply . The powers of a finance minister vary between governments. In the United States , the finance minister is called the " Secretary of the Treasury ", though there is a separate and subordinate Treasurer of

183-432: A century after to create new regulations by Aurangzeb . The Dahsala system ensured that everyone a part of the system and affected by the system would benefit. Further system was organised which made maintaining accounts of income and expenditure easier. The system had been in effect for a long time therefore the government was able to make the system perfect by overcoming the problems. The Dahsala system ensured that there

244-641: A decree which stated that all Mughal administration was to be written in Persian and in the "Iranian style". The decree also stated that the Mughal administration was to be staffed by Iranian and Hindu clerks, secretaries and scribes. His systematic approach to revenue collection became a model for the future Mughals as well as the British. Todar Mal died in Lahore on 8 November 1589. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple

305-707: A defeat but secured a resounding victory. Todar Mal, another key figure in Akbar's court, famously remarked, "What harm if Khan Alam is dead; what fear if the Khan Khanan's horse has run away, the empire is ours!" This statement underscored the resilience and determination of the Mughal forces under Man Singh's leadership. Man Singh's successes in Bengal were numerous. After founding Akbarnagar, he continued to suppress rebellions, demonstrating his strategic brilliance and unyielding spirit. He personally marched against Isa Bhati and his Afghan forces, resulting in their retreat and

366-414: A due date to provide their revenue if not the collector would come and collect the revenue from the cultivator. However, if the treasurer fails to provide the receipt or the cultivator fails to obtain the receipt the fault would be on the collector. The Regulations also mentions about different payment methods such as progressive payment methods. The Twelve Regulations of Todar mal's was used as standard

427-409: A formidable military leader and a pivotal figure in Mughal history continues to be remembered and revered. Through his unwavering efforts, Man Singh not only expanded the Mughal Empire but also ensured its stability in a region rife with challenges. In the 19th year, after the conquest of Patna, he got a Salam and naqqara (A'in 19) and was ordered to accompany Munim Khan to Bengal. He was the soul of

488-756: A large variety of names around the world, such as "treasury", "finance", "financial affairs", "economy" or "economic affairs". The position of the finance minister might be named for this portfolio, but it may also have some other name, like "Treasurer" or, in the United Kingdom , " Chancellor of the Exchequer ". The duties of a finance minister differ between countries. Typically, they encompass one or more of government finances, economic policy and/or financial regulation, but there are significant differences between countries: Finance ministers are also often found in governments of federated states or provinces of

549-515: A leading role in the revenue collection system. The Chaudari does the recording of the sale of lands, customer and commercial transaction. Another function of the Chaudhari is to check the work of the Qanungo to ensure there are no mistakes on their part. Further he was also required to show evidence for transactions such as the sale and mortgage of a land. The Twelve Regulations of Todar Mal set

610-402: A method of assessment which was based on previous records. In this method the state and cultivator agreed that the fixed sum was paid to the state and the number of crops grown was not taken into consideration. This agreement was called Nasaq. To ensure that the revenue system was successfully established around the empire, Akbar divided the empire into 15 provinces. There officers in charge of

671-441: A new system of revenue known as zabt and a system of taxation called dahsala . His revenue collection arrangement came to be known as the "Todarmal's Bandobast". He took a careful survey of crop yields and prices cultivated for a 10-year period 1570–1580. On this basis, tax was fixed on each crop in cash. Each province was divided into revenue circles with their own rates of revenue and a schedule of individual crops. This system

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732-484: A standard for future administrators to follow. There were many problems which came with the Dahsala system and other revenue systems which was present at the time. The Twelve Regulations help to overcome the difficulties faced and showed how the revenue system had to be followed. The Twelve Regulations were based on the organisational structure, procedure of measure, unit of assessment, method of collection. loan, relief and

793-467: A strategic alliance. The grateful Raja offered his sister in marriage to Man Singh and pledged his allegiance to the Mughal Emperor. This alliance not only strengthened Mughal control over Bengal but also reinforced the importance of diplomacy and marital alliances in maintaining stability. Man Singh's tenure in Bengal was marked by continuous military engagements. His brief departure to Ajmer saw

854-537: Is also responsible to supervise the treasury staff. The Fotadar and the Khazander had the same job except the Fotadar did it in terms of a pargana (treasure of the pargana). The karkuns kept records about information of the land such as which land is useful and which is waste land, the revenue payable from individual cultivator, and the actual collections and arrears. The Qanungo is the local revenue official of

915-462: Is appreciated even today, is that he overhauled the revenue system of Akbar's Mughal empire. Raja Todar Mal built a fortress-palace at Laharpur in the Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh . Todar Mal also translated Bhagavata Purana into Persian . Beveridge records that Raja Todar Mal had got leave from Akbar and was on his way to Haridwar , but he received a letter from Akbar in which the latter

976-628: Is featured in the video games Sid Meier's Civilization IV : Beyond the Sword , Sid Meier's Civilization V : Gods and Kings , and most recently in Sid Meier's Civilization VI as a "great merchant". In the Indian movie Jodhaa Akbar , Raja Todar Mal is portrayed by Pramod Moutho . In the Indian historical fiction television series Jodha Akbar , Todar Mal is portrayed by Shaurya Singh . Finance minister A ministry of finance's portfolio has

1037-522: Is said to have written that "it was better to go on working and doing good to the world than to go on a pilgrimage." Believing it morally wrong to disobey the emperor, he returned to resume his duties in Lahore, where he passed away a few days later on November 8, 1589, at the age of 66. Following his death in Lahore , his body was cremated according to the Hindu traditions. Raja Bhagwan Das , his colleague in

1098-405: The 19th year of Akbar's reign, a significant event unfolded that showcased the strategic acumen and bravery of Man Singh. Following the conquest of Patna, Man Singh was honored with a Salam and naqqara and was ordered to accompany Munim Khan to Bengal. This expedition was crucial in maintaining Mughal dominance in the region, and Man Singh emerged as the soul of this campaign. The journey to Bengal

1159-521: The Dahsala System. There was misusing of authority during the measurement of land making the revenue to be paid inaccurate. Therefore, sometimes the farmers had to pay more than they are supposed to. Further many of the revenue officials were dishonest and corrupt which meant the peasants were affected by the power used by the officials. However Akbar ensured that welfare of the cultivators was improved and maintained. These officials also would bother

1220-400: The Dahsala system. Ghalla Bakshi was another land revenue system used during this period in areas such as the region of Thatta, parts of Kashmir and sarkar of Oandhar. This system was divided into three different systems which include Batai, Khatt Batai and Lang Batai. Batai method was when the harvested crop would be stacked in heaps and the government officer would take one heap according to

1281-428: The Mughal bureaucracy all the way into early colonial India; eventually, in the 1830s, it would lose such status as the British made coordinated attempts to replace it with English (see also; English Education Act 1835 ). In the historical serial, Bharat Ek Khoj , Todar Mal was played by popular character actor, Harish Patel in the two episodes (Episodes 32 and 33) on the life and times of Emperor Akbar . Todar Mal

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1342-667: The Prime Minister's seniority and superior responsibility over the Treasury . In Australia , the senior minister is the Treasurer , although there is a Minister for Finance who is more junior and, as of 2018 , heads a separate portfolio of Finance and the Public Service. Finance ministers can be unpopular if they must raise taxes or cut spending . Finance ministers whose key decisions had directly benefited both

1403-718: The United States , and it is the director of the Office of Management and Budget who drafts the budget . In the United Kingdom , the equivalent of the finance minister is the Chancellor of the Exchequer . Due to a quirk of history, the Chancellor of the Exchequer is also styled Second Lord of the Treasury with the Prime Minister also holding the historic position of First Lord of the Treasury . This signals

1464-402: The annexation of their lands. Despite falling ill, Man Singh's command did not waver. He dispatched his trusted lieutenant, Himmat Singh, to handle the renewed uprisings, and once again, his forces emerged victorious. The relationship between Man Singh and the local rulers also played a pivotal role in his campaigns. His support for Raja Lakshmi Narayan of Cooch Behar was instrumental in securing

1525-430: The average produce of different crops and the average crop which would last for 10 so the revenue which was collected by government was fixed according to this ten-year assessment. The farmers had the choice of paying the government in cash or crops. The farmers who paid in cash the government would check how much the farmers had been producing for ten years and would find the average to find out how much should be paid to

1586-686: The battles that followed, Man Singh's forces triumphed over numerous adversaries, including the successor of Qatlu Khan, Usman, and the Arakan pirates. His strategic acumen and military prowess ensured the suppression of the most formidable rebels. The capture and subsequent death of Kedar Rai further demonstrated Man Singh's effectiveness as a military commander. Man Singh's tenure in Bengal solidified his reputation as one of Akbar's most trusted and capable generals. His relentless dedication, strategic brilliance, and ability to forge alliances were instrumental in maintaining Mughal control over Bengal. His legacy as

1647-677: The charge of Lahore, was present at the ceremony. Of his two sons, Dhari was killed in a battle in Sindh . Another son, Kalyan Das, was sent by Todar Mal to subdue the Raja of Kumaon in the Himalayas . He rose to become the Finance Minister in Akbar's Darbar. Todar Mal is recognized as an able warrior, who led in various battles. In 1571, he was employed under Muzaffar and in 1572, he served under Akbar against Khan Zaman (vide no 61). In

1708-773: The charge of building a new fort of Rohtas in Punjab with the objective of preventing Ghakhar raids and to also act as a barrier to the Mughals in the north-west. After the Sur dynasty was overthrown by the Mughals, Todar Mal continued in the service of the ruling power, which was now the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Under Akbar , he was placed in charge of Agra . Later, he was made governor of Gujarat . At various times, he also managed Akbar's Mint at Bengal and served in Punjab . Todar Mal's most significant contribution, which

1769-401: The crops so it would not be stolen or go missing before it was sold. Nasaq is also another revenue system which available in this period in areas such as Bengal, Berar and Kashmir. This system was known to be very arbitrary. According to some historians it is believed that this system assessed the revenue demand by finding the average demand of the land for the past ten to twelve years. It was

1830-427: The expedition. In the battle with Da'ud Khan-i-Kharani, when Khan Alam had been killed, and Munsim Khan's horse had run away, the Raja held his ground bravely, and not only was there no defeat but an actual victory. "What harm" said Todar Mal, "if Khan Alam is dead; what fear if the Khan Khanan's horse has run away, the empire is ours!" In July 1564, Todar Mal accompanied Akbar in his campaign against Abdullah Khan Uzbeg,

1891-406: The government. Further under the Dahsala system farmers found it easier to obtain loans which was repaid in annual instalments. Also, in situation such as bad season which lead to bad crop yield the government would exclude them from paying the revenue collection. The farmers received a receipt for every payment made to government of the revenue which meant that there was establishment of records under

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1952-483: The heaps was made after the grain was separated from the chaff.  The Ghalla Bakshi system used to collect the state share through produce rather than allowing the farmers to pay the estimate of crop. This system benefited the authorities as it was a profitable method however this method was known to be unmanageable as the crop collected from the farmers needed to be collected accurately and also converted into cash by selling them. This method also required people to guard

2013-546: The keys was given to the Amil and the other is kept with himself. Shiqqdar was not directly involved with the revenue system. Shiqqdar is known to be the chief executive officer of the pargana and responsible to the general administration. The Shiqqdar contributes to the revenue system by provided the Amal Guzar with police assistance to collect money. The Shiqqdar would ensure that the pargana remained peaceful. The Shiqqdar

2074-581: The land they owned, how it is measured, how much they had to pay in terms of cash if they wanted to pay in cash instead of produce. These reasons meant that the government and the cultivators would lose, and in turn made the people worse off too. There were three systems during this period: Dahsala system (also known as the Zabiti system), Nasaq and Galla-bakshi. This system was land revenue system available in majority of Akbar's empire in areas such as Lahore to Allahabad , Malwa and Gujarat . Raj Todar mal

2135-441: The lowest was given twenty rupees a month, the middle received thirty rupees per month and the highest grade received fifty rupees per month. The Muqaddam and Patwari are consider are in charge of the administration of village. The Patwari is in charge of the revenue affairs of the village. The Patwari has records of the land in the villages such as the land size, the crop grown, the cultivators, unused land. The Chaudari plays

2196-482: The monthly receipts and expenditure of the district to the royal treasurer. The Bitikshi is an important assistant to the Amal Guzar. Professionally he is known to be a writer, preparing records in terms about the land assessment. The Bitikshi was responsible to collect the average revenue statement of each village from the Quanungo. The Bitikshi also maintained data about the land such their boundaries and which land

2257-421: The officers who were in charge of the revenue administration. Another function of the Amal Guzar, other than collecting revenue, was to protect the peasantry by punishing robbers and the miscreants. The Amal Guzar also had the authorisation of advance loans to the peasantry and they were responsible that these loans were repaid back. The Amal Guzar would ensure that the district treasurer would send information about

2318-399: The pargana. The Qanungo was in charge of keeping records of the crop such as the revenue demands, payments and arrears. The Qanungo were also in charge of keeping records of value tenure such as the extent and the transfers of the land. The Qanungo was paid one per cent commission on the revenue of the pargana however this was changed by Akbar to a salary. Qanungo was divided into three grades,

2379-549: The performance and perception of their country's economic and financial achievements are recognised by the annual Euromoney Finance Minister of the Year award. 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

2440-409: The rest to the government which meant that the government would incur big losses. Another reason is that land owned by the government was unable to meet the expenses of the state. Therefore, this meant that the government had hardship in maintaining these lands. Further one of the main reasons for the failure of previous land revenue system is that the cultivators of the land did not know the type of

2501-456: The resurgence of rebellion in Bengal. However, he swiftly returned to restore order. On February 12, 1601, near Sherpur-Atia, Man Singh defeated the rebels, chasing them for eight miles. His relentless pursuit of the rebels showcased his commitment to maintaining Mughal authority. His campaigns extended to Dacca, where he forced the submission of Kedar Rai, the zamindar of Bhushna, and defeated other notable rebels like Jalal Khan and Qazi Mumin. In

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2562-454: The revenue collection system was structured and divided into specific segments to ensure the success of the system. Provinces in the empire was divided into districts. A Faujdar was in charge of a number of districts. The Faujdar was the head of the district. A Faujdar of a district is known to be a military officer. The function of the Faujdar according to the revenue system of the empire

2623-471: The state demand (e.g. 4 heaps if ¼; 2 heaps if ½) The Batai system was preferred by many farmers as it helped them during seasonal variations. Khatt Batai method was used in fields which have been sown and the crop unripe were divided by marking to be show the government share. This separation was done by drawing a Khatt or a line of demarcation. The Lang Batai method used the same method as the Batai method except

2684-418: The subahdar of Malwa, who had revolted against the imperial authority. No reason of 'Abdullah's rebellion is furnished by the contemporary writers. Probably, having got the post of a governor he became power-corrupt and decided to become independent. Akbar became very much disturbed and decided to punish him. The emperor started his march on the pretext of elephant hunting on 2 July 1564. The imperial army reached

2745-473: The system of tax collection from non-muslims more organised. Before the Dahsala system was established the system was disorganised and was in a chaotic form. There were number of reasons for this, one is that most of the land was owned by wealthy and big landlords and jagirdars (King's officials who were gifted land by the King) who collected their own land revenue and kept majority of the collection and would give

2806-403: The unit of assessment ensures that assessment is done in a such away where it is less time-consuming and laborious process. The Regulations about the method of collection states that the ideal method of collection is that the cultivators deposit the revenue and the obtain the receipt. This would get rid of any intermediaries. Therefore, to ensure this method is being effective the collector provides

2867-475: The village Liwani in Indore on 5 August and on the 6th completely defeated 'Abdullah Khan Uzbeg, who fled to Gujarat. The imperial forces returned to the capital on 9 October 1564. According to Abu-l-Fazl there were 300 officers with the emperor on the day of victory. He gives the name of thirty (30) officers including that of Todar Mal As there is no other mention of Todar Mal's activities, it can be stated that he

2928-448: The working of the central revenue department. The Regulations about the organisational structure would mention how to overcome the problems faced with the officers in charge of the revenue system. It also states if the changes which need to take place in each position. The Regulations about procedure of measure states how the land would be measured and which method would be used to measure the different types of land. The Regulations about

2989-404: Was born in the town of Laharpur in present-day Uttar Pradesh in a Hindu family, considered by historians as either Agrawal Bania , Khatri or Kayastha . Todar Mal's father died when he was very young leaving no means of livelihood for him. Todar Mal started his career from the humble position of a writer but slowly moved up the ranks when Sher Shah Suri , the Sur emperor, assigned him to

3050-487: Was called taraf . Mahals was subdivided into standardised Bighas. A Bigha was made of 3600 Ilahi Gaj, which is roughly half of modern acre. Unit of measurement was standardised to Ilahi Gaj , which was equivalent to 41 fingers (29-32 inches). Lead measuring rope, called Tenab, was also standardised by joining pieces of Bamboo with iron rings so that the length of Tenab did not vary with seasonal changes. Sometime between 1582 and 1584, as finance minister, Raja Todar Mal issued

3111-535: Was called the Bamboo Jarid system. Under the Dahsala system lands were classified into four different categories. One was Polaj land which was land which cultivated and yield crops regularly. Second was the Parauti land which was not cultivated as it was left to regain its productivity. Another was known as Chachar land was left uncultivated for 3 to 4 years to make sure yielding a crop once. Fourth type of land

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3172-435: Was fraught with challenges. The region was known for its rebellious factions and the powerful Afghan chief, Da'ud Khan-i-Kharani. The battle with Da'ud Khan was particularly intense. Khan Alam, a notable Mughal commander, was killed in action, and Munim Khan's horse fled the battlefield, creating a moment of potential chaos. However, Man Singh's unwavering resolve turned the tide. Holding his ground bravely, he not only prevented

3233-441: Was no fluctuations or uncertainties in the amount to be paid to the government allowing the farmers to know exactly how much should be paid to the government. Also these farmers were protected from the officers who would usually exploit the farmers charging arbitrary amounts from different farmers without clear reasoning. Further the amount needed to be paid could easily be measured and rechecked. There are also some limitations in

3294-447: Was prevalent where the Mughal administration could survey the land and keep careful accounts. For the revenue system, Akbar's territory was divided into 15 Subahs, which were further subdivided into a total of 187 Sarkars across 15 subahs, and those 187 sarkars (sirkar) were further subdivided into a total of 3367 Mahals or Pargana . Several Mahals were grouped into Dasturs, a unit between Mahal and Sirkar. Portion of larger Mahal or Pargana

3355-517: Was rebuilt in 1585 by Todar Mal. This temple was later demolished by Aurangzeb , who had the Gyanvapi Mosque built on its ruins. The current Kashi Vishwanath Temple was built later by Ahilyabai Holkar on an adjacent plot of land. The academic consensus holds that Persian rose to become the dominant language of the Mughal government after the 1582-1584 administrative decree was issued by Raja Todar Mal. Persian would hold such status within

3416-462: Was the Banjar land was left for more than 4 years. These lands were of no use. These lands were further categorised into three groups. These lands were categorised as grade number 1 land to grade number 3 land, with grade 1 being the best quality land. under the Dahsala system the one third of the crop is known to be the share of the government. The government had done surveys and research to estimate

3477-416: Was the person who pioneered and introduced this system to the empire.   It was known to be one of the most efficient and effective revenue and record systems. The land was measured in ‘bighas’. The Dahsala system changed the land measurement method from using a rope to land measuring system by bamboo pieces connected by iron rings to make the measurement method more accurate. This measurement method

3538-482: Was to collect land revenue from areas of the district where the people were unmanageable. The Faujdar was also responsible of ensuring that the efficiency of the administration. Therefore, to ensure that the Faujdar does their job well, Akbar introduced officers to spy and check on the Faujdars. The Amal Guzar next important officer. They were also known as the revenue collectors. Amal Guzar were people who supervised

3599-470: Was told to accept coin from the former reigns to be collect as bullion and they were not allowed to harass the cultivators who pay in copper, silver or gold or any kind of coin. The Khazandar was not allowed to force the paying cultivators to pay more if the coins paid was less than the required amount they have to pay. To ensure that collected revenue is safe the Khazandar would have several locks and one of

3660-422: Was useful for cultivation and which was waste land. The Bitikshi was also in charge in producing a receipt to the cultivators who pay the revenue to the treasurer. The Bitikshi would also keep record of the weekly and monthly income and expenditure. Khazandar is known to be the treasurer. Khazanzar was responsible for the collection of revenue in the district and forward it to the central treasurer. The Khazandar

3721-533: Was with Akbar in his Malwa expedition from start to finish (2 July – 9 October 1564). Todar Mal succeeded Khwaja Malik I'timad Khan in 1560. Raja Todar Mal introduced standard weights and measures, a land survey and settlement system, revenue districts and officers. This system of maintenance by Patwari is still used in Indian Subcontinent which was improved by British Raj and Government of India. Raja Todar Mal, as finance minister of Akbar, introduced

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