Question

Which of the following lands was kept fallow for three to four years during Akbar’s period ?

• A. Polaj
• B. Chachar
• C. Parauti
• D. Banjar

Hint:

Memorize the Mughal land classification through this simple duration-based chart: {|l|l|} Land Class & Cultivation Frequency Fallow Period
Polaj & Cultivated continuously (0 years fallow)
Parauti & Fallow for 1–2 years
Chachar & Fallow for 3–4 years
Banjar & Barren for 5+ years

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Under Emperor Akbar, the Mughal administration radically overhauled its agrarian economy by introducing the Dahsala or Zabti revenue system, perfected by the fince minister Raja Todar Mal. To ensure fair revenue assessments based on actual productivity, the empire systematically classified agricultural land into four distinct categories based on cultivation frequency.

Step 1: Reviewing the land classification matrix in the Ain-i-Akbari.
According to Abul Fazl’s famous contemporary chronicle, the Ain-i-Akbari, land was divided into four classes:
• Polaj: Land that was annually cultivated for each crop in succession and was never left fallow. It represented the highest quality, most fertile soil.
• Parauti: Land left out of cultivation for a brief period (usually one to two years) so that it could turally recuperate its organic fertility and chemical nutrients.
• Chachar: Land that was allowed to lie fallow for three to four years before being brought back under the plow. This classification matches the exact timeline stated in the question prompt.
• Banjar: The lowest grade of land, which lay uncultivated and barren for five years or longer. It required significant capital and labor to become productive again.

Step 2: Conclusion.
Since the question specifically asks for land kept fallow for three to four years, it perfectly matches the definition of Chachar (Option B).