In Akbar's classification of land, the land left out of cultivation for a short time so that it could recover its fertility was called:

In Akbar's classification of land, described in the Ain-i-Akbari, "parauti" was land that was left out of cultivation for a time (usually a year or so), so that it could recover its lost fertility.

Classification of land under Akbar:

• NCERT explains that the Ain-i-Akbari classified land into four categories according to the continuity of cultivation.
• Parauti: land left out of cultivation for a time in order that it may recover its strength.
• Another category was land cultivated every year without any break.
• The remaining categories covered land that had been fallow for a few years, and land that had lain uncultivated for five years and more.

Revenue on parauti land:

• NCERT notes that when parauti land was cultivated, it paid the same revenue as land that was cultivated every year.
• Land that had been fallow for longer periods paid revenue at lower rates, which increased gradually, to encourage peasants to bring it back under cultivation.

Purpose of the classification:

• The classification helped in assessing the revenue fairly.
• It encouraged peasants to extend cultivation to waste and fallow lands.

Akbar's revenue system:

• The land was measured using the "gaz-i-Ilahi" (a standard yard) and bamboo rods (jarib) linked with iron rings.
• The revenue was fixed according to the average produce and the average prices of the previous ten years.
• The state's share was usually one-third of the average produce.
• The revenue was collected in cash, though payment in kind was also allowed.
• Peasants were given a document (patta) showing their revenue obligations, and signed an agreement (qabuliyat).

Why fallowing was used:

• Leaving land fallow allowed the soil to regain nutrients and moisture.
• It was a common practice before the use of chemical fertilisers.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Polaj was a different category of land.
• ✗Banjar was land left uncultivated for five years or more.
• ✗Khalisa was land directly under the emperor's control.