In the Mughal revenue administration, which land revenue system was also popularly known as the bandobast system?

Introduction / Context:
This question concerns Mughal revenue administration, especially under Akbar, when land revenue systems were standardised and carefully organised. The term bandobast refers to a systematic arrangement for assessment and collection of land revenue. Understanding which technical name corresponds to bandobast helps learners connect Persian administrative terminology with the practical methods used for taxation.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question is about land revenue systems under the Mughals.
• Bandobast means an organised settlement or arrangement.
• The options list several known systems: Dahsala, Nasaq, Kankut, and Zabti.

Concept / Approach:
Akbar and his finance minister Todar Mal introduced a systematic revenue settlement based on measurement of land and calculation of average produce and prices. This comprehensive arrangement was referred to as the bandobast. In administrative terminology, the system that involved measurement and direct assessment based on these calculations is known as the Zabti system. Dahsala is a related aspect involving ten year average, but bandobast as a name is most closely associated with Zabti. Nasaq and Kankut are different methods used in particular situations.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that bandobast refers broadly to a planned settlement of land revenue under Akbar. Step 2: Remember that Todar Mal worked out a method for measuring land, averaging produce and prices, and fixing cash demand. Step 3: Identify that this direct, measurement based system is called Zabti in Mughal revenue terminology. Step 4: Recognise that Dahsala refers specifically to the ten year average used within this broader method, not to bandobast itself. Step 5: Nasaq and Kankut were alternative systems used in special circumstances, not the main bandobast.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard texts on Mughal administration consistently describe the Zabti or bandobast system as the main revenue arrangement under Akbar, with Dahsala as a part of it. Cross checking multiple sources confirms that bandobast and Zabti are linked as two names for essentially the same system.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The Dahsala system is associated with the use of a ten year average but is not itself the full bandobast. Nasaq is a rough assessment method usually based on past collections. Kankut combines estimation by eye and measurement, again used only in particular areas. None of these alternate methods fully capture the comprehensive bandobast settlement like Zabti does.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners often confuse Dahsala with the entire revenue system and assume it is called bandobast because it is frequently mentioned alongside Zabti. It is important to distinguish between the broad settlement method and one of its internal calculation techniques.

Final Answer:
The land revenue system that was also known as the bandobast system was the Zabti system.