Mansabdars in the Mughal Empire

Mansabdars were an integral part of the administrative system of the Mughal Empire. They held military ranks and were responsible for various duties within the empire.

Primary Responsibility

Military Responsibilities: The primary responsibility of a mansabdar in the Mughal Empire was to fulfill military duties. Mansabdars were appointed based on their military capabilities and were expected to lead military campaigns, maintain law and order in their assigned regions, and defend the empire from external threats. They were required to maintain a certain number of soldiers according to their rank, known as a mansab, and were expected to provide troops and resources for the emperor's military campaigns.

Other Duties

Collection of Taxes: While mansabdars were primarily military officials, they also had the responsibility of collecting taxes in their jagirs (land grants). They were expected to ensure that the revenue from their assigned territories was collected efficiently and sent to the imperial treasury.

Administration of a Jagir: Mansabdars were often granted jagirs as a form of payment for their services. In addition to military and tax collection duties, they were also responsible for the administration of their jagirs. This included maintaining law and order, resolving disputes among the local population, and overseeing the economic activities in their territories.

Diplomatic Negotiations: Mansabdars also played a role in diplomatic negotiations with other rulers and foreign powers. They represented the emperor in negotiations, treaties, and alliances, and were expected to use their influence to further the interests of the Mughal Empire.

In conclusion, while mansabdars had various responsibilities within the Mughal administrative system, their primary duty was to fulfill military obligations and lead troops in defense of the empire.

The correct answer is option A because:-

A mansabdar in the Mughal Empire was responsible for both military and civil administration. Their primary responsibilities included:

Military responsibilities: Mansabdars maintained a specified number of cavalrymen, known as sawar. They brought their cavalrymen for review, registered them, and branded their horses.

Civil administration: Mansabdars were high civil officers and provincial governors.

Land grants: Mansabdars were granted land revenues, or jagirs, in lieu of their salaries. Mansabdars who held jagirs were known as Jagirdars. Their main responsibility was to collect the fixed revenue and submit it to the central empire.