Who were the Mansabdars?

Mansabdars were a class of military officials in the Mughal Empire of India. The term "mansabdar" is derived from the Arabic word "mansab," which means rank or position. The Mansabdars held significant power and played a crucial role in the administrative and military affairs of the empire during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Appointment and Rank

- Mansabdars were appointed by the Mughal emperor and held various ranks or "mansabs" based on their military capabilities and administrative experience.
- The ranks ranged from 10 to 10,000, with 10 being the lowest and 10,000 being the highest.
- The Mansabdar's rank determined their salary, the number of troops they commanded, and their overall importance in the imperial hierarchy.

Responsibilities and Duties

- Mansabdars had dual responsibilities of maintaining law and order in their assigned territories and serving in the military campaigns of the emperor.
- They were responsible for collecting revenue from their territories and sending it to the imperial treasury.
- Mansabdars were required to maintain a certain number of soldiers, horses, and equipment according to their rank.
- They were expected to participate in military campaigns and provide troops and supplies when required by the emperor.
- Mansabdars had to submit regular reports to the emperor regarding the state of their territories, military readiness, and revenue collection.

Perquisites and Advantages

- Mansabdars enjoyed several perks and privileges along with their rank.
- They received a salary based on their rank, which was paid in cash or through land grants.
- Mansabdars were entitled to a jagir, which was a piece of land assigned to them for revenue collection. They could retain a portion of the revenue collected as their income.
- The Mansabdars had the authority to issue official documents, maintain law and order, and settle disputes in their territories.
- They had access to the imperial court and could influence the emperor's decisions through their connections and recommendations.

Importance and Legacy

- The Mansabdari system helped the Mughal Empire maintain a strong central administration and an efficient military system.
- It provided a sense of loyalty and control over the vast empire by appointing loyal officials in key positions.
- The system also facilitated upward mobility, as individuals could be promoted to higher ranks based on their performance and loyalty.
- The Mansabdari system had a lasting impact on the administrative and military structure of subsequent Indian kingdoms and the British colonial administration.

In conclusion, the Mansabdars were a class of military officials in the Mughal Empire who held ranks based on their military capabilities and administrative experience. They played a crucial role in maintaining law and order, collecting revenue, and participating in military campaigns. The Mansabdars enjoyed various perks and privileges, including salary, land grants, and access to the imperial court. The Mansabdari system helped the empire maintain a strong administration and military structure, and its legacy continued beyond the Mughal era.

The Mansabdari system was the administrative system of the Mughal Empire introduced by Akbar. The word mansab is of Arabic origin meaning rank or position. ... Abul Fazl has mentioned 66 grades ofmansabdars but in practice therewere not more than 33 mansabs.plz upvote