ISS Previous Year Paper 2020 GS Solution Question 1(b) Mansabdari System and Mughal Administration

ISS Previous Year Paper 2020 GS Solution Question 1(b) Mansabdari System and Mughal Administration. Detailed answer discussing the chief characteristics of the Mansabdari system and its role in organizing the Mughal administrative structure.

ISS Previous Year Paper 2020 GS Solution Question 1(b) Mansabdari System and Mughal Administration

ISS Previous Year Paper 2020 GS Solution Question

Q.1(b) Underlining the chief characteristics of the Mansabdari system, discuss the way it organized the Mughal administration.

Answer : 

The Mansabdari System was introduced by Akbar to establish an efficient administrative and military framework. The term "Mansab" means rank or position. Every officer appointed by the Mughal emperor was assigned a Mansab that determined his status, salary, and responsibilities.

The major characteristics of the Mansabdari System were:

• Officials were given numerical ranks known as Mansabs.

• Each Mansab had two components: Zat and Sawar.

• Zat indicated the personal rank, salary, and status of an officer.

• Sawar specified the number of cavalry soldiers the officer had to maintain.

• Mansabdars could be transferred, promoted, or demoted by the emperor.

• Salaries were generally paid through Jagirs instead of direct cash payments.

• The system applied to both civil and military officials, ensuring administrative integration.

  
  

The Mansabdari System helped the Mughal administration by creating a centralized chain of command directly controlled by the emperor. It reduced the power of hereditary nobles and ensured loyalty to the central authority.

The system also facilitated efficient revenue collection, military organization, and governance across the vast Mughal Empire. Regular inspections and record-keeping improved accountability and administrative control.

However, during the later Mughal period, problems such as corruption, shortage of jagirs, and administrative inefficiencies weakened the system.

Conclusion

The Mansabdari System was a key pillar of Mughal administration that combined military and civil functions under a centralized structure. It contributed significantly to the strength and stability of the Mughal Empire, particularly during Akbar's reign.