The revenue collection system known as 'Ryotwari' in the medieval Deccan sultanates, particularly pioneered by Malik Ambar in Ahmadnagar, was based on:

💡 Solution & Explanation

Malik Ambar reformed the revenue administration in Ahmadnagar by instituting a Ryotwari-style settlement involving direct assessment and collection from individual cultivators without intermediaries. This practice eliminated oppressive tax farming and ensured fair burden distribution among farmers. Agrarian history of medieval India provides vital context for understanding British colonial revenue policies.