The zamindars were that class of the people who did not directly participate in the processes of agricultural production. They enjoyed an elevated status in society.

(i) The zamindars were the proprietors of their land. They considered their land as their property (milkiyat). They could sell, give and mortgage it. They enjoyed many social and economic privileges because of their superior status in society.

(ii) The zamindars belonged to the upper caste. It added to their exalted status in society.

(iii) The zamindars rendered certain services (khidmat) for the state. So they got respect and position in the state.

(iv) The zamindars became very powerful because they collected revenue on bahalf of the state. They also got financial compensation for this work.

(v) Another source for the power of zamindars in society was their control over the military resources. They kept a fortress as well as an armed unit comprising cavalry, artillery and infantry.