Ilahi gaz
Also called: Gaz-i-Ilahi · Topic: Mughal Agrarian Society and Economy · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Ilahi gaz was a standard unit of length, like a yard, introduced by Akbar. It was about 41 fingers' breadth long. Before it, the length of a gaz varied from place to place, so land measurements did not match. A single standard made measurement uniform across the empire. Accurate measurement was needed for Akbar's revenue system, which fixed the state's demand according to the area of land.
Example
Under Akbar's land survey, linked with Todar Mal, fields were measured with the Ilahi gaz. Measuring rods called tanab were made of bamboo pieces joined by iron rings. They replaced ropes, which shrank or stretched with the weather.
Don't confuse with
- Bigha: The bigha was a unit of area. The Ilahi gaz was a unit of length used to measure out that area.
Related concepts
- Mughal land revenue system
- Jama
- Hasil
- Amalguzar
- Kankut
- Batai
- Khet-batai
- Lang batai
- Classification of lands under Akbar
- Polaj