Examine the nature of the Mansabdari system during the reign of Akbar.

Origins and Evolution

The seeds of the Mansabdari system were sown during the reign of Humayun, but it was Akbar who truly developed and institutionalized it. Initially, it was a relatively simple system, but over time, it became increasingly complex, particularly after 1576. Akbar divided all officials into 33 grades (zat), each with a specific rank, determining their salary and the number of troops they were required to maintain.

The Dual Rank System: Zat and Sawar

The core of the Mansabdari system lay in the dual rank system: Zat and Sawar. Zat represented the personal rank or status of a Mansabdar, determining his salary. Sawar indicated the number of cavalrymen a Mansabdar was obligated to maintain. The relationship between Zat and Sawar was not fixed; it varied, influencing the nature of a Mansabdar’s responsibilities. A higher Sawar rank meant a greater military obligation. Akbar introduced a decimal system, where units were organized in groups of 10, 100, 1000, 10,000, and so on, simplifying military administration.

Categories of Mansabdars

Mansabdars were broadly categorized into three classes:

• High Mansabdars (5000 Zat and above): These were typically princes, high-ranking nobles, and those with direct access to the emperor. They often held important governorships (subahs).
• Middle Mansabdars (1000-4999 Zat): These formed the bulk of the Mughal nobility and were often assigned administrative and military responsibilities at the provincial and district levels.
• Low Mansabdars (Below 1000 Zat): These were often recruited from lower ranks and served as commanders of smaller units or held minor administrative posts.

Functions and Responsibilities

The functions of Mansabdars were multifaceted:

• Military Service: Maintaining a stipulated number of cavalrymen, elephants, and other resources for the Mughal army. They were required to provide troops for campaigns and participate in warfare.
• Administrative Duties: Governing provinces (subahs), districts (sirkars), and towns (parganas). They were responsible for revenue collection, maintaining law and order, and dispensing justice.
• Revenue Administration: Mansabdars were often granted jagirs (land assignments) in lieu of salary. They were responsible for collecting revenue from these lands and remitting a portion to the central treasury.

Jagirdari System and its Impact

The Jagirdari system was intrinsically linked to the Mansabdari system. The assignment of jagirs was not hereditary and was subject to transfer. This ensured the Mansabdars’ dependence on the emperor and prevented the formation of powerful, independent regional lords. However, the system also led to exploitation of peasants by some Mansabdars eager to maximize their profits. Akbar attempted to mitigate this through regulations and periodic inspections.

Akbar’s Reforms and their Significance

Akbar introduced several reforms to refine the Mansabdari system:

• Introduction of the Dahsal System: This system standardized revenue assessment and collection, reducing the burden on peasants.
• Categorization of Lands: Lands were classified based on productivity, ensuring fair revenue assessment.
• Regular Inspections: Officials were appointed to oversee the functioning of Mansabdars and prevent corruption.

These reforms strengthened the central authority and improved the efficiency of the administration.

Limitations and Challenges

Despite its strengths, the Mansabdari system faced certain limitations. The constant transfers of jagirs disrupted administrative continuity. The system also became increasingly expensive as the number of Mansabdars grew, straining the Mughal treasury. Furthermore, the reliance on a largely Persian and Central Asian nobility sometimes created tensions with the local Indian population.