In the period of the Delhi Sultanate, what was meant by usar land ?

The correct answer is - Barren or uncultivable land

Key Points

• Usar land
  • In the context of the Delhi Sultanate, "usar land" referred to barren or uncultivable land, typically unsuitable for agriculture.
  • This land was usually saline or alkaline in nature, making it difficult for crops to grow.
  • Such land required significant effort and resources to make it arable, often involving techniques like soil treatment and irrigation.
• Significance
  • During the Delhi Sultanate period, categorization of land was crucial for taxation and agricultural planning.
  • Usar land was generally exempt from agricultural taxes since it did not yield crops.
  • This classification highlights the importance of understanding soil quality in medieval administrative systems.

Additional Information

• Other types of land classification
  • Banjar land
    • Referred to fallow land that was left uncultivated for extended periods but could potentially be used for agriculture.
    • Often categorized as land requiring minimal effort to become arable.
  • Abadi land
    • Designated for habitation, such as villages and towns, rather than agriculture.
• Agricultural advancements during the Delhi Sultanate
  • Focus on increasing agricultural output through irrigation systems, including canals, wells, and tanks.
  • Land taxes (like Kharaj) were based on the fertility and productivity of the land.