Mughal Administration

Step 1: Mughal agrarian structure.
During the Mughal period, the peasantry formed the backbone of the agrarian economy. Various terms were used in Indo-Persian sources to describe them.
Step 2: Terms used.
- Ryot: A general Persian term used for peasants.
- Muzarian: Used for sharecroppers or tenant cultivators.
- Asami: Another term denoting peasants or cultivators.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Since all these terms (Ryot, Muzarian, Asami) were used, the correct answer is “All of these.”

Step 1: Understanding Ain-i-Akbari.
The \textit{Ain-i-Akbari} is part of Abul Fazl’s monumental work \textit{Akbarnama}, written during the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar.
Step 2: Authorship.
Abul Fazl, one of Akbar’s famous Navaratnas (Nine Gems), compiled the Ain-i-Akbari. It provides detailed information on Akbar’s administration, court practices, revenue system, military organization, and culture.
Step 3: Elimination of options.
- (A) Nizamuddin Ahmad: Author of \textit{Tabakat-i-Akbari}, not Ain-i-Akbari.
- (B) Abbas Khan Sarwani: Wrote the biography of Sher Shah Suri.
- (C) Abdul Qadir Badauni: Critic of Akbar’s policies, but not the author of Ain-i-Akbari.
- (D) Abul Fazl: Correct author of Ain-i-Akbari.
Conclusion: The Ain-i-Akbari was written by Abul Fazl.