Watan jagir
Topic: The Mughal Empire: Babur to Aurangzeb · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
A jagir was land whose revenue was given to a Mughal officer instead of a cash salary. A watan jagir was a special kind of jagir. Watan means "homeland". It was the home territory of a Rajput or other local chief who joined Mughal service, and the chief kept it as his own hereditary land. Ordinary jagirs were moved from one officer to another every few years, but a watan jagir was not. This let chiefs keep their home base and their honour, so they were more willing to serve the empire. It formed part of the policy, begun by Akbar, of winning over Rajput rulers.
Example
Under Akbar, the Kachhwaha rulers of Amber (in Rajasthan) became high Mughal officers. Their home kingdom of Amber was left in their hands as a watan jagir.
Don't confuse with
- Ordinary jagir (tankhwah jagir): given as payment for service and moved often to new holders. A watan jagir stayed with the chief's family in his homeland.