Relationship between Mansabdar and Jagir

Mansabdars and Jagirs were two important aspects of the administrative system in the Mughal Empire. The relationship between them can be understood by examining their roles, functions, and the nature of their association.

1. Mansabdars:
- Mansabdars were military commanders or officials who held various ranks or mansabs in the administrative hierarchy of the Mughal Empire.
- The term "mansabdar" derives from the Persian word "mansab," which means rank or position.
- The mansabdars were appointed by the emperor and were responsible for maintaining and leading a contingent of soldiers known as the mansab's sawar.
- They were also given a salary in the form of cash known as "zat" and an additional allowance known as "sawar."
- The mansabdars were expected to serve the empire by participating in military campaigns, maintaining law and order, and collecting revenue from their assigned areas.

2. Jagirs:
- Jagirs were land grants given to the mansabdars as a form of revenue payment for their services.
- The jagir consisted of a specified area of land, which the mansabdar could use to generate revenue through various means such as agriculture, trade, or levying taxes.
- The revenue generated from the jagir was primarily used to support the maintenance of the mansabdar's contingent of soldiers and meet his personal expenses.
- The size and value of the jagir were directly linked to the rank or mansab of the mansabdar. Higher-ranking mansabdars were granted larger and more valuable jagirs.
- The jagirs were not hereditary and were subject to periodic reassignment by the emperor. This ensured that the mansabdars remained loyal to the empire and did not become too powerful.

Relationship between Mansabdars and Jagirs:
- The mansabdars were dependent on the jagirs for their livelihood and sustenance.
- The jagirs provided a source of income for the mansabdars, enabling them to fulfill their obligations as military commanders and administrators.
- The mansabdars were responsible for the efficient administration and revenue collection from their jagirs.
- In return, the emperor expected the mansabdars to maintain a certain number of soldiers and contribute to the overall military strength of the empire.
- The allocation of jagirs to the mansabdars was a way for the emperor to reward their services and ensure their loyalty.
- The mansabdars had the authority to appoint and dismiss officials within their jagirs and were accountable for their actions.
- The emperor could reassign or alter the size of the jagirs based on the performance or loyalty of the mansabdars.

In summary, the relationship between mansabdars and jagirs in the Mughal Empire was one of interdependence. The mansabdars relied on the jagirs for their income and resources, while the jagirs were granted to the mansabdars as a form of payment for their services. This relationship ensured the loyalty of the mansabdars and the efficient administration of their assigned territories.