What was the Jagirdari Crisis?
By Balaji
Updated on: March 29th, 2023
The Jagirdari Crisis was a period of economic problem caused by the paucity of jagirs or land. As a result, administrative expenses were covered, and the imperial crown was unable to finance wars or maintain the nobility’s standard of living. As a result, the revenue share of the emperor declined, further reducing his power.
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1. Jagirdari Crisis Meaning
Jagirdari Crisis Meaning
Another important effect of the Jagirdari Crisis was the reduction in the numerical strength of the army as each mansabdar’s ability to maintain the required number of soldiers was based on the salary and benefits (provided through jagirs) attached to his mansab.
- When there was not enough jagir or land, it led to jagirdari crisis, which was a time of economic crisis. Because of paying administrative costs, the imperial crown was unable to fund wars or maintain the standard of living of the elite.
- Due to this, the Mughal emperor was forced to donate his territory to pay his officers. This resulted in the domain of the Mughal emperor and thus, his influence was dwindling.
- In return for their services to the Mughal Empire, jagirdars were given jagirs under the jagirdari system. But this resulted in sharp disputes among the jagirdars over the better share of the land.
- Even though this issue first arose during the time of Akbar, it became more acute under the later Mughals. The king distributed the crown estates to please his nobility and to maintain his position of authority (the land under the king).
- This led to a significant reduction in the flow of income to the imperial treasury, which contributed harshly to the loss of power of the Mughal emperor.
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