Question

Which of the following is a major source to understand agrarian history of 16\textsuperscript{th and 17\textsuperscript{th} century India?}

• A. Revenue records of Agra \& Delhi
• B. Relationship between peasants and zamindars
• C. Important chronicle – the Ain-e-Akbari
• D. Types of agricultural crops grown at that time

Hint:

For Mughal-era questions on agriculture or administration, the Ain-e-Akbari is a key historical source—always link it with Abul Fazl and Akbar’s reign.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The Ain-e-Akbari, compiled by Abul Fazl, is one of the most important sources for understanding the agrarian history of the Mughal Empire, particularly during the reign of Akbar in the late 16th century. It forms part of the larger work called Akbarnama.
The Ain-e-Akbari provides detailed statistical and administrative records related to the empire’s economy, including land revenue systems, agricultural productivity, classification of land, crop types, prices, and information about peasants and zamindars.
While options (A), (B), and (D) are related to agrarian history, they are more general in nature. It is the Ain-e-Akbari that compiles all such aspects systematically, making it the most comprehensive primary source on the subject.
Hence, Option (C) is the correct answer.