Akbar Namah is the contemporary source in which the dual rank of Zat and Sawar was first mentioned.


The dual rank of Zat and Sawar was a unique system introduced by Emperor Akbar in the Mughal Empire. This system was mentioned for the first time in the contemporary source called Akbar Namah.

Akbar Namah, also known as the "Book of Akbar" or "History of Akbar," is a historical account of the reign of Emperor Akbar written by his court historian, Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak. It provides detailed information about the administrative, military, and social reforms introduced by Akbar during his rule.

The dual rank of Zat and Sawar was a military ranking system in the Mughal Empire. Under this system, each nobleman was assigned two ranks - Zat and Sawar. The Zat rank represented the personal status or seniority of the nobleman, while the Sawar rank indicated the number of cavalrymen the nobleman was required to maintain for military service.

The Zat rank was denoted by a numerical figure and represented the nobleman's personal standing in the court hierarchy. The higher the Zat rank, the higher the nobleman's status in the empire. The Sawar rank, on the other hand, indicated the number of cavalrymen the nobleman had to maintain. This system helped in organizing the Mughal military and ensured a well-maintained cavalry force.

The mention of the dual rank of Zat and Sawar in the Akbar Namah signifies its importance and recognition during Akbar's reign. This contemporary source provides valuable insights into the administrative and military practices of the Mughal Empire. It serves as a significant historical document for understanding the organization and functioning of the Mughal court and military during the reign of Emperor Akbar.

In conclusion, the Akbar Namah is the contemporary source that first mentions the dual rank of Zat and Sawar in the Mughal Empire. It provides crucial information about this unique military ranking system and sheds light on the administration and military practices of the time.