Which was an administrative subdivision of a Mughal province ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Option 4, "Pargana," is the correct answer as it was an administrative subdivision of a Mughal province. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. **Explanation for Option 4 (Pargana):**
   - During the Mughal era, the empire was divided into several provinces known as "Subahs." Each Subah was further divided into smaller administrative units called "Sarkars," and these Sarkars were subdivided into "Parganas."
   - A Pargana was a cluster of villages and served as the basic unit of administration. It was managed by officials such as the "Amil" or "Shiqdar," who were responsible for revenue collection, law and order, and local governance.
   - The Pargana system allowed the Mughal administration to effectively manage and control vast territories by decentralizing authority and ensuring efficient tax collection and governance at the local level.

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**

- **Option 1 (Peshkash):**
     - Peshkash refers to a form of tribute or gift given to the Mughal emperor or a higher authority. It was not an administrative division but rather a financial obligation or offering, often given by subordinate rulers or officials as a sign of loyalty or submission.

- **Option 2 (Jaagir):**
     - A Jaagir was a type of land grant given by the emperor to nobles or military officers in return for their service. The holder of a Jaagir, known as a "Jagirdar," was responsible for collecting revenue from the land and maintaining troops. It was a system of rewarding service rather than an administrative division.

- **Option 3 (Milkiyat):**
     - Milkiyat refers to private ownership of land. It denotes land that was owned outright by individuals or families, as opposed to land held under the Jaagir system. Like Jaagir, Milkiyat was related to land ownership and tenure, not an administrative subdivision.

In conclusion, "Pargana" is the correct answer because it was an integral part of the Mughal administrative structure, serving as a key subdivision within the larger provincial framework. The other options relate to financial obligations, land grants, or private ownership, none of which pertain to administrative divisions.