Mansabdar and jagirs?
The 'Mansabdari system 'was the administrative system of the Mughal Empire introduced by Akbar in 1595-96 CE. The word mansab is of Arabic origin meaning rank or position. The system, hence, determined the rank of a government official. Every civil and military officer was given a ‘mansab’ and different numbers which could be divided by ten were used for ranking officers. It was also meant for fixing the salaries and allowances of officers.
A Jagir also spelled as Jageer, was a type of feudal land grant in South Asia at the foundation of its Jagirdar system, It developed during the Islamic rule era of the Indian subcontinent, starting in the early 13th century, wherein the powers to govern and collect tax from an estate was granted to an appointee of the state. The tenants were considered to be in the servitude of the jagirdar. There were two forms of jagir, one being conditional and the other unconditional. The conditional jagir required the governing family to maintain troops and provide their service to the state when asked.The land grant was called iqta, usually for a holder's lifetime, and the land reverted to the state upon the death of the jagirdar
This question is part of UPSC exam. View all Class 7 courses
Mansabdar and jagirs?
The mansabdar received their salary as Jagirs. mansabdar did not register there Jagirs. The mansabdar work in some part of their countries but the salaries collected from their servants.
Mansabdar and jagirs?
Mansabdars and Jagirs
Mansabdars and jagirs were two important administrative and revenue systems implemented by the Mughal Empire in India during the 16th and 17th centuries. These systems played a crucial role in maintaining the stability and functioning of the empire. Let's delve into the details of each system:
Mansabdars:
Mansabdars were the nobles or officers appointed by the Mughal emperor to hold military and administrative positions within the empire. The term "mansab" refers to the rank or position of a noble, and the system of mansabdari was a hierarchical ranking system. The mansabdars were categorized based on their ranks, which were denoted by a numerical value known as the "zat" and a personal pay scale known as the "sawar" or "horsemen."
Key features of the Mansabdari System:
- The mansabdars were granted jagirs or land grants, which served as a source of income for them.
- They had to maintain a specified number of soldiers or horsemen according to their rank. This was known as the "dastak" or "military quota."
- The mansabdars were responsible for providing military support to the empire during wars and campaigns.
- They were also responsible for maintaining law and order in their respective territories and collecting revenue.
- The mansabdars received their salaries in the form of cash or grants, known as "jagirs," which were assigned to them based on their rank. These jagirs could be inherited by their successors, ensuring the continuity of the system.
Jagirs:
Jagirs were land grants given to the nobles or mansabdars by the Mughal emperor in return for their services to the empire. These grants were usually a portion of the revenue generated from a particular region or area. The jagirdars, who were the recipients of the jagirs, were responsible for collecting taxes and revenue from the assigned territory and forwarding a portion of it to the imperial treasury.
Key features of the Jagir System:
- The jagirdars had the authority to collect revenue, maintain law and order, and administer their assigned territories.
- They were required to pay a portion of the revenue collected from their jagir to the imperial treasury, known as "khums" or "one-fifth" of the total revenue.
- The jagirdars had the right to extract surplus revenue from the assigned territories for their personal use, as long as they fulfilled their obligations to the empire.
- The jagirdars could also assign revenue collection duties to subordinates, known as "amils," who would assist in the administration of the jagir.
- The jagirdars were responsible for the economic development and welfare of their assigned territories.
Conclusion:
The mansabdari and jagir systems were integral components of the Mughal administrative and revenue systems. While the mansabdars served as military and administrative officers, the jagirdars were granted land grants and acted as revenue collectors. These systems provided a hierarchical structure and a steady income source for the nobles, ensuring their loyalty and service to the empire. The implementation of these systems played a significant role in the stability and functioning of the Mughal Empire.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Class 7 study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Class 7.