taalluq

Taalluq is a term primarily used in South Asia, particularly in Pakistan and India, to denote a type of landholding or estate. It generally refers to a landlord's right over land, often inherited, which he then leases out to tenants or cultivators. The taalluqdar, or the holder of the taalluq, is typically responsible for collecting rent from these tenants and paying a fixed revenue to the government.

The concept of taalluq has historical roots in the land revenue systems established during the Mughal Empire and later consolidated and modified during British rule. Taalluqdars often wielded significant social and political influence in their regions, acting as intermediaries between the state and the rural populace. The size and nature of taalluqs could vary greatly, from small estates to vast territories encompassing numerous villages.

While the term is deeply ingrained in the region's socio-economic history, its significance has evolved with land reforms and changing agricultural practices. In contemporary contexts, the term might still be used to refer to traditional landowning families and their inherited rights, though the legal and economic structures surrounding land ownership have largely modernized. The concept is distinct from direct ownership by cultivators, as it emphasizes the landlord's proprietary interest and the rental relationship.