The economic condition of Punjab during the Mughal period was marked by prosperity in agriculture, flourishing industries, vibrant trade, and low prices that made life affordable even for the poor. With fertile soil, advanced irrigation, and farmer-friendly policies like the Zabti system, Punjab became the backbone of Mughal India’s economy. From cotton and silk industries to bustling trade with Central Asia and Europe, Punjab’s economy reflected both local strength and global connections.”
Agriculture in Mughal Punjab
Agriculture was the main occupation of the people of Punjab during the Mughal period, with nearly 80% of the population engaged in farming. The land was naturally fertile and had plenty of irrigation facilities, which made cultivation easy and productive. The Mughal emperors understood that the prosperity of their empire depended on the farmers, so they introduced policies to support agriculture. In 1581 A.D., the Zabti system was enforced, under which land was measured and classified into four categories—Polz (very fertile), Parauti (moderately fertile), Chachar (less fertile), and Banjar (barren). Revenue was fixed according to fertility, irrigation, and average yield of the past decade, with a maximum limit of one‑third of the produce.
Farmers could pay in cash or kind. To encourage cultivation, the state provided loans on easy installments, reduced or exempted taxes during famines, and offered irrigation facilities. Officials were strictly ordered not to exploit farmers. As a result, Punjab produced bumper crops like wheat, rice, cotton, sugarcane, maize, chickpeas, pulses, oilseeds, and barley.
Industries in Mughal Punjab
After farming, industry was the second most important occupation of the people of Punjab during the Mughal period. Punjab became famous for its cotton, silk, wool, leather, and other industries, which supplied goods both locally and to foreign markets.
- The cotton industry was the largest, with centres like Lahore, Multan, Amritsar, Sialkot, Gujarat, Samana, and Bajwara. Punjab produced cloth, carpets, turbans, sarees, and dhotis. Samana’s cloth was so fine that it was exported to England.
- The silk industry was the second most important. Multan, Kashmir, and Amritsar were its centres. Rich families loved silk products like lungis, sheets, and luxury fabrics such as Gulbadan and Daryayi.
- The woollen industry was famous in Kashmir and Amritsar. Kashmir shawls were world‑renowned, while Amritsar produced blankets and loees (thin blankets).
- The leather industry produced saddles, reins, shoes, gloves, and water carriers (mashks). Centres included Hoshiarpur, Sialkot, Peshawar, and Multan.
- Other industries also flourished, such as utensils, ornaments, sugar, arms, and woodwork, making Punjab a hub of craftsmanship.
Animal Rearing in Mughal Punjab
Animal rearing was an important part of Punjab’s economy during the Mughal period. People kept different animals for different purposes. Oxen, buffaloes, and camels were used for ploughing fields, while oxen, donkeys, mules, and camels were used for transport. Horses and camels were popular for riding. Cows, buffaloes, sheep, and goats were reared mainly for milk, while sheep also provided wool. To support this activity, animal markets were organized in various places across Punjab, where animals were bought and sold.
Minerals in Mughal Punjab
During the Mughal period, Punjab had minerals of different types, but their quantity was very small. Copper and iron were found in the hilly regions of Mandi and Suket. Zinc mines existed in Jammu. Punjab was also known for its salt mines at Kheora, Nurpur, and Kala Bagh (Sindh). In Multan and Gujarat, deposits of salt‑acid were discovered. Additionally, by sifting the sand of Punjab’s rivers, people could find small traces of gold. Although mineral resources were limited, they still contributed to the local economy.
Trade in Mughal Punjab
Trade was one of the strongest parts of Punjab’s economy during the Mughal period. Both internal and external trade flourished because of several reasons: Punjab’s geographical location made it a natural gateway to Central Asia, its transport facilities were well developed, the soil produced rich crops, and its industries were advanced. The trading work was mainly carried out by communities like Kshatriyas, Baniyas, Mahajans, Aroras, Bohras, and Khojas.
Punjab’s external trade connected it with Arab countries, Afghanistan, Iran, Tibet, Bhutan, Syria, China, and Europe. The region exported cotton and silk clothes, shawls, blankets, grain, sugar, indigo, and salt, while importing superior horses, dry fruits, luxury goods, carpets, silk, and precious stones. For transport, people used carts, camels, mules, horses, oxen, and even boats to carry cargo.
Famous Commercial Towns in Mughal Punjab
During the Mughal period, Punjab had several towns that became important centres of trade and commerce. Among them, Lahore and Multan were the two most significant commercial hubs, known for their industries, markets, and international trade connections. Besides these, other towns such as Amritsar, Jalandhar, Sirhind, Bajwara, Batala, Samana, Hissar, Panipat, Sultanpur, and Kartarpur also played a vital role in local and regional trade. These towns were bustling with merchants, craftsmen, and traders, making Punjab a vibrant economic region under Mughal rule.
Prices in Mughal Punjab
During the Mughal period, the prices of everyday goods in Punjab were very low, which made life easier for common people. In Akbar’s reign, one maund (a unit of weight) of wheat cost only 12 dam, rice 20 dam, maize 10 dam, gram 16 dam, milk 25 dam, and sugar just 6 dam. The dam was the most common currency of the time, made of copper. Even after Akbar, these prices remained stable. Because of such low costs, even poor families could afford food and basic necessities, helping them live comfortably.
