Aksbandh

Aksbandh (also spelled Aks Bandh) is a traditional Persian and Urdu term, often encountered in the context of historical land revenue systems and agrarian economics, particularly in South Asia. It refers to a detailed, itemized account or register of revenue demands, land holdings, and related agricultural details for a specific area, such as a village or pargana.

The Aksbandh serves as a crucial record for determining the total revenue assessment for an area. It typically includes information on:

• Land area and classification: Details of the total land area, categorized by its use (cultivated, uncultivated, waste, etc.) and fertility.
• Revenue rates: Specifies the rate of revenue to be levied on different types of land.
• Individual landholdings: Records the name of each landholder and the extent of their holding.
• Total revenue demand: The calculated amount of revenue owed by each landholder and the village as a whole.

Aksbandhs were essential tools for revenue officials in managing land revenue collection. They provided a standardized and documented basis for assessment and ensured accountability. Historical Aksbandhs are now valuable sources for researchers studying land ownership patterns, agricultural practices, and economic conditions in past centuries. The creation and maintenance of accurate Aksbandhs was a significant administrative task.