A Zamindar was a landowner in India during the Mughal era and later under British colonial rule. They were responsible for collecting taxes from the peasants who worked on their land. In return, Zamindars had the right to manage the land and maintain law and order within their jurisdiction. The system of Zamindari was significant in the agrarian economy, as it created a hierarchy between the landowners and the farmers. This structure often led to exploitation, as Zamindars could impose high taxes, making it difficult for peasants to sustain their livelihoods. The abolition of the Zamindari system occurred in the mid-20th century, significantly changing land ownership in India.