The main features of the Jagirdari system:

(i) The Jagirdari system was an integral part of the mansabdari system. It was developed by Akbar.

(ii) During the Akbar's period, the revenue from Jagir was assigned to Jagirdars in lieu of their cash salary.

(iii) The office of the central Diwan was entrusted to identify parganas the sum total of whose Jama was equal to the salary claim of the mansabdars. In case the recorded Jama was in excess of salary claim the assignee was required to deposit the balance with the central treasury. On the other hand, if it was less than the salary claim the short fall was paid from the treasury.

(iv) None of the assignments was permanent or hereditary. The emperor could shift part or the entire Jagir from one part of the imperial territory to another at any time.

(v) The Jagirdars were also transferred from one jagir to another. The system of transfer checked the Jagirdars from developing local roots. At the same time, its disadvantage was that it discouraged the Jagirdars from taking long term measures for the development of their areas.

(vi) The Jagirdars were allowed to collect only authorised revenue in accordance with the imperial regulations. The Jagirdars employ their own officials like amil etc. 

(vii) The imperial office kept watch on the Jagirdars. The Diwan of the suba was supposed to prevent the oppression of the peasants by the Jagirdars. Amin was appointed in each suba to see that Jagirdars were following imperial regulations.

(viii) If Jagirdars faced any difficulty in the collection of revenue, he was assisted by Faujdars.