Shahbandar: The Administrative Officer of a Port in the Mughal Period

The title of the administrative officer of a port during the Mughal period was known as the Shahbandar. The Shahbandar was responsible for overseeing the activities and management of the port, including handling the docking and departure of ships, collecting customs duties, maintaining port facilities, and ensuring the security of the port area.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Shahbandar

- **Managing Port Operations**: The Shahbandar was in charge of coordinating the arrival and departure of ships, as well as overseeing the loading and unloading of cargo.
- **Collecting Customs Duties**: One of the key responsibilities of the Shahbandar was to collect customs duties on imported and exported goods passing through the port.
- **Maintaining Port Facilities**: The Shahbandar was responsible for ensuring that port facilities such as docks, warehouses, and storage areas were well-maintained and in good working order.
- **Security and Surveillance**: The Shahbandar also had to ensure the security of the port area, preventing theft, smuggling, and other illegal activities.

Importance of the Shahbandar

The role of the Shahbandar was crucial during the Mughal period as ports played a vital role in facilitating trade and commerce. The Shahbandar's efficient management of port operations and collection of customs duties helped generate revenue for the Mughal Empire and contributed to the growth of maritime trade.

In conclusion, the Shahbandar was an important administrative officer who played a key role in overseeing the operations of ports during the Mughal period. Their duties included managing port activities, collecting customs duties, maintaining facilities, and ensuring the security of the port area.