Nature and Functions of Zaildari System in British Punjab: A Case Study of District Muzaffargarh

Abstract

The administrative structure that the British established in the Indian Empire is commendable. The structure was separated into many tiers and classifications, including civil, military, and land administration. One of the key tiers of land administration was the Zaildari system. The Zaildari system's primary goals were to uphold law and order and collect land income. A Zaildar oversaw a Zail, which served as an administrative division for several settlements. First proposed in 1873, the Zaildari method was finally put into use in 1880. Two of the almost seventy-nine Zaildars appointed were chosen for police management, while the remaining seventy-seven were chosen for miscellaneous purposes. Because they were in charge of a large territory, the Zaildar had greater authority than a Lambardar.This study aims to assess the nature and functions of the Zaildari system in the district of Muzaffargardh. This research tries to answer the question:How did the Zaildari system affect socioeconomic structures and local government in District Muzaffargarh during British colonial rule? It is a qualitative study based on primary and secondary sources. For reliable findings, content analysis techniques, internal and external criticism, and an inductive approach will be employed in this research. Muzaffargarh District is the case study of this research.