Mughal Administration | Public Administration Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

The Mughal Empire, which thrived from the 16th to the 18th centuries, had a well-structured administrative system that encompassed central, provincial, and local levels of governance. The Mughal administration played a crucial role in maintaining law and order, collecting revenues, and ensuring effective governance throughout the empire. Understanding the intricacies of Mughal administration is vital for studying the historical and administrative aspects of the empire.

Central Administration: Its Evolution

• The Emperor: At the apex of the central administration was the Emperor, also known as the Padshah. The Emperor held the highest authority and made important decisions regarding governance and policies. The Emperor's role was crucial in shaping the empire's administrative structure.
• Wakil and Wazir: The Wakil and Wazir were key officials who served as advisors to the Emperor. The Wakil acted as the Chief Minister and represented the Emperor in administrative matters. The Wazir, on the other hand, handled financial affairs, revenue collection, and economic policies. These positions played a significant role in the functioning of the central administration.
• Diwan-i-Kul: The Diwan-i-Kul was the department of revenue, responsible for managing the collection and management of taxes and land revenue. It played a pivotal role in maintaining the financial stability of the empire.
• Mir Bakhshi: The Mir Bakhshi was the military secretary, responsible for the administration of the army. This included recruitment, promotions, disciplinary matters, and overall military administration.
• Mir Saman: The Mir Saman served as the chief steward of the royal household. This role involved managing the imperial household and organizing events, ensuring the smooth functioning of the royal court.
• Sadr-us-Sudur: The Sadr-us-Sudur, also known as the Chief Justice, oversaw religious and judicial affairs within the empire. This position ensured the administration of justice and the adherence to Islamic principles in legal matters.

Provincial Administration

• Provincial Governor: The Mughal Empire was divided into provinces, each headed by a Provincial Governor or Subedar. These governors acted as representatives of the Emperor and were responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting revenues, and implementing imperial policies within their respective provinces.
• Diwan: The Diwan managed the financial affairs of the province. This included revenue collection, taxation, and budget allocation. The Diwan played a vital role in ensuring economic stability and efficient financial management at the provincial level.
• Bakhshi: The Bakhshi held the position of the military officer in charge of the province. They oversaw the administration of the military forces, including recruitment, training, and logistical support.
• Darogha-i-Dak and the Secret Services: The Darogha-i-Dak managed the postal system, ensuring effective communication and the smooth flow of information. They also supervised the secret services, which played a crucial role in intelligence gathering and maintaining security within the province.

Local Administration

• Sarkara: The Sarkara was the primary administrative unit at the local level. It was headed by a Sarkaridar, who oversaw the administration of multiple Parganas within the Sarkara. The Sarkara played a vital role in maintaining law and order, collecting revenues, and resolving local disputes.
• Pargana Administration: The Pargana was a territorial division comprising several villages. Each Pargana had a Chaudhry as its head, who was responsible for the administration of the Pargana. They played a crucial role in revenue collection, local governance, and ensuring the welfare of the villages within their jurisdiction.

Town and Port Administration

Towns and ports had separate administrative structures to cater to their specific needs.

• Kotwal: The Kotwal was the chief officer responsible for maintaining law and order in towns. They managed security, public safety, and the enforcement of local regulations.
• Qll'adar: The Qll'adar served as the judicial officer in towns, responsible for presiding over legal matters and ensuring justice at the local level.
• Port Administration: Ports had specialized administrative structures to oversee trade and maritime activities, ensuring smooth operations and revenue generation.
  The local administration provided governance and services at the grassroots level, addressing the specific needs of towns, villages, and ports.

The Mughal administration had a hierarchical structure, combining centralization and decentralization to ensure efficient governance throughout the empire. Understanding the central, provincial, and local levels of administration provides valuable insights into the functioning of the Mughal Empire and its impact on governance, justice, and economic stability.

Nature of Mughal Administration

The nature of Mughal administration was characterized by a combination of centralization and decentralization. While the central administration held significant power and authority, local administration enjoyed a degree of autonomy in managing day-to-day affairs. Here are some key aspects of the nature of Mughal administration:

• Hierarchy and Division of Responsibilities: The Mughal administration had a well-defined system of hierarchy and division of responsibilities. Each level of administration, whether central, provincial, or local, had specific roles and functions. This ensured a clear chain of command and efficient decision-making processes.
• Elaborate Administrative Records: The Mughal Empire maintained meticulous administrative records, which played a crucial role in governance. These records included revenue accounts, land records, and other administrative documents. The preservation of such records facilitated transparency, accountability, and efficient administration.
• Efficient Revenue Collection: Revenue collection was a vital aspect of Mughal administration. The Diwan-i-Kul and provincial Diwans played a significant role in managing and collecting taxes and land revenue. The administration implemented systems like the zamindari system to ensure smooth revenue collection, which contributed to the empire's economic stability.
• Promotion of Trade and Commerce: The Mughal administration recognized the importance of trade and commerce for the empire's prosperity. They established efficient systems for trade and encouraged economic activities by providing security, infrastructure, and administrative support to traders and merchants.
• Maintenance of Law and Order: The Mughal administration had a strong focus on maintaining law and order throughout the empire. The central administration appointed officials like the Kotwal, Qll'adar, and Provincial Governors, who were responsible for enforcing laws, resolving disputes, and ensuring the safety of the people.
• Patronage of Art and Culture: The Mughal rulers patronized art, literature, and architecture. The administration played a crucial role in supporting and promoting cultural activities, which led to the flourishing of Mughal art and architecture during this period.

In summary, the nature of Mughal administration encompassed a hierarchical structure, efficient revenue collection, emphasis on trade and commerce, maintenance of law and order, and patronage of art and culture. The combination of centralization and decentralization allowed for effective governance, economic stability, and the preservation of the empire's rich cultural heritage.