International Journal of Development in Social Sciences and Humanities

The 17th century was a transformative period for Indian land systems and agriculture, marked by significant changes during the Mughal era, particularly from the reign of Akbar to Aurangzeb. This era witnessed the implementation of imperial policies, the zamindari system, and taxation structures, which profoundly influenced the condition of farmers, exacerbating social inequality and economic strain. Akbar’s revenue system and land measurement policies initially aimed to encourage agriculture but gradually became a source of hardship for farmers. These changes in land and agricultural systems bolstered the influence of the zamindar class, deepening inequalities within society. The collaboration between imperial officials and zamindars created tensions within the political structure, leading to widespread discontent and uprisings among farmers. By the latter half of the 17th century, this unrest posed significant challenges to imperial authority. From a cultural perspective, these transformations impacted rural traditions and religious beliefs. The growing disparity in land ownership and increasing tax burdens on agriculture led to the emergence of new cultural norms and ideals within society. The changes in land systems and agriculture during the 17th century affected Indian society on multiple levels. These policies and systems not only altered the economic framework but also brought substantial changes to the cultural and political dimensions of society.