Role of zamindars in Bengal under the Mughals was like public functionaries. The zamindari system grew under the Mughal Empire. Zamindari system was a complex administrative concern. It endeavoured to raise huge money in taxation from a huge area which was scattered. The tax collections were managed by zamindari officials reaching down to the level of the villages.
If a zamindar withheld his revenue or resisted the Nawab it would result in a major military operation thereby forcing him to submit. The effectiveness of the government depended on an implied compact between them and major zamindars. They relied on the zamindari for much of their public revenue and for maintaining a stable order over wide areas. The zamindari expected to be allowed a considerable margin of profit on their collections. They had a free hand in administering what was virtually their territory. A Nawab who has lost the confidence of the zamindars would be extremely defenceless.
The zamindari system had the structure of bhuiyan land tenure system. The Mughals introduced new officials and courtiers. Under the Mughal era proper tax collection was ensured. The zamindar title had become generic thereby embracing people who own land. All types of zamindars had to discharge law enforcement, judicial and military duties. They acted as public functionaries. Though they were allowed to be held hereditarily, they were not considered as the proprietors of their estates. Territorial zamindars possessed judicial powers too. Regular court called zamindari adalat also functioned. The courts gave them status and income through fines and presents.
