NCERT Class 12 History Themes in Indian History-II: Chapter 4 — THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY – PART II 196
This chapter, 'Peasants, Zamindars and the State,' from NCERT's Class 12 History textbook 'Themes in Indian History-II,' delves into agrarian society in India during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It highlights that approximately 85% of the population lived in villages, engaged in agricultural production. The chapter explores the relationships between peasants, landed elites (zamindars), and the Mughal state, which relied heavily on agricultural income. It discusses the basic unit of agricultural society, the village, and the seasonal tasks performed by peasants. The text also addresses the challenges of varied topography and the limited sources available, primarily chronicles like the Ain-i Akbari, which offer a 'view from the top.' However, it notes that revenue records and East India Company documents supplement this, providing insights into conflicts and peasant perceptions of the state. The chapter introduces terms like 'raiyat' and 'muzarian' for peasants and distinguishes between 'khud-kashta' and 'pahi-kashta' peasants. Understanding these agrarian dynamics is crucial for comprehending the socio-economic fabric of the Mughal Empire and its impact on rural life, aiding CBSE students in grasping historical economic systems.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | History |
| Book | Themes in Indian History-II |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY – PART II 196 |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 703 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the structure of agrarian society in Mughal India.
- Analyze the roles and relationships of peasants, zamindars, and the state.
- Identify key sources for studying agrarian history, such as the Ain-i Akbari.
- Recognize the economic importance of agriculture to the Mughal Empire.
- Differentiate between various types of peasants mentioned in historical sources.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Agrarian | Relating to cultivated land or the cultivation of land. |
| Zamindar | A landowner, especially one who is a large landowner. |
| Raiyat | A peasant or subject. |
| Muzarian | A tenant farmer or peasant. |
| Ain-i Akbari | A detailed record of the administration of the Mughal Empire under Emperor Akbar, compiled by Abu'l Fazl. |
| Khud-kashta | Peasants who owned the land they cultivated. |
| Pahi-kashta | Peasants who cultivated lands not their own, often migrating seasonally. |
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Practice questions
- What percentage of India's population lived in villages during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries? Answer: About 85 per cent.
- What was the primary source of income for the Mughal state? Answer: Agricultural production.
- Name the most important chronicle mentioned in the chapter that details Mughal administrative arrangements. Answer: The Ain-i Akbari.
- What term did Indo-Persian sources most frequently use to denote a peasant? Answer: Raiyat (or riaya) or muzarian.
Practice MCQs
Q1. During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, approximately what percentage of India's population resided in villages?
Explanation: The text explicitly states that about 85 per cent of the population lived in villages during this period.
Q2. Which of the following was a primary source for the agrarian history of the sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries?
Explanation: The chapter highlights chronicles and documents from the Mughal court, like the Ain-i Akbari, as major sources.
Q3. The Ain-i Akbari was authored by whom?
Explanation: The text identifies Abu'l Fazl, Akbar's court historian, as the author of the Ain-i Akbari.
Q4. What does the term 'raiyat' commonly refer to in Indo-Persian sources of the Mughal period?
Explanation: 'Raiyat' (plural 'riaya') is identified as the term most frequently used to denote a peasant.
Q5. According to the Ain-i Akbari, what was the central purpose of presenting the vision of Akbar's empire?
Explanation: The text states the central purpose was to present a vision of Akbar's empire where social harmony was provided by a strong ruling class.
Frequently asked questions
What was the primary focus of the chapter 'Peasants, Zamindars and the State'?
The chapter focuses on agrarian society in India during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, exploring the relationships between peasants, zamindars, and the Mughal state.
What is the significance of the Ain-i Akbari mentioned in the chapter?
The Ain-i Akbari, authored by Abu'l Fazl, is a crucial source that meticulously recorded the Mughal state's arrangements for cultivation, revenue collection, and the regulation of relationships with zamindars.
Who were the 'raiyat' in the context of Mughal India?
'Raiyat' (plural 'riaya') was the term most frequently used in Indo-Persian sources of the Mughal period to denote a peasant.
What challenges exist in understanding peasant life from historical sources?
A major challenge is that peasants did not typically write about themselves, meaning sources like the Ain-i Akbari offer a 'view from the top,' though supplemented by other records.
How did the Mughal state interact with rural society?
The Mughal state derived most of its income from agriculture and used its agents to ensure cultivation and collect taxes, thereby seeking to control rural society.
What does the chapter suggest about the diversity of rural India?
The chapter notes that rural India was not solely characterized by settled peasant production, mentioning areas with dry land, hilly regions, and forest areas that presented different cultivation challenges.
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NCERT Class 12 History — Themes in Indian History-II — Chapter 4 — THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY – PART II 196. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.