Understanding the Mansabdari System and Do-aspa, Sih-aspa

The Mansabdari system was a unique administrative system introduced by Mughal Emperor Akbar. It served as both the military and civil administration structure of the empire. Under this system, every official was assigned a rank, known as a 'mansab'. This rank determined their status, salary, and the number of troops (cavalry) they were required to maintain.

Key Components of the Mansabdari System

Initially, the Mansabdari system primarily had two components for each mansabdar:

• Zat: This indicated the personal status, salary, and position of the mansabdar in the administrative hierarchy.
• Sawar: This indicated the number of cavalrymen or horsemen the mansabdar was required to maintain and bring to the field. The number of horses required was often more than the number of sawars to ensure availability of fresh horses.

Introduction of Do-aspa and Sih-aspa

Over time, the Mansabdari system evolved. A significant addition was made during the reign of a later Mughal Emperor. This innovation was the introduction of 'do-aspa' and 'sih-aspa' into the Mansabdari ranks.

• Do-aspa: Literally meaning 'two horses'. A mansabdar with a do-aspa rank was required to maintain double the number of cavalrymen corresponding to their sawar rank for a specific portion of their contingent, but their zat rank remained unchanged.
• Sih-aspa: Literally meaning 'three horses'. A mansabdar with a sih-aspa rank was required to maintain triple the number of cavalrymen corresponding to their sawar rank for a specific portion of their contingent, while their zat rank stayed the same.

Sometimes, these were combined, or only a part of the sawar rank was designated as do-aspa or sih-aspa. This system allowed the emperor to increase the military strength and cavalry contingent of certain mansabdars significantly without necessarily increasing their zat rank, which had implications for their personal status and overall position in the hierarchy.

The Emperor Who Introduced Do-aspa, Sih-aspa

The 'do-aspa, sih-aspa' system was introduced by Emperor Jahangir. This reform aimed at distinguishing between the actual number of troops to be maintained and the personal status of the mansabdar. It was a clever way to augment the cavalry force without disturbing the established hierarchy too much.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the emperors mentioned in the options:

• Akbar: He introduced the basic Mansabdari system itself, with the concept of zat and sawar.
• Jahangir: He is credited with introducing the 'do-aspa, sih-aspa' concept to the Mansabdari system.
• Shahjahan: He introduced the 'Mahana Jagir' (monthly scale) system and reduced the number of troops mansabdars were required to maintain relative to their sawar rank (the proportion varied based on the locality).
• Aurangzeb: During his long reign, the Mansabdari system faced challenges, including the 'crisis of the jagirdari system'. He also made adjustments, such as introducing the 'zabti' system for troop maintenance in certain areas.

Based on historical records, the innovation of 'do-aspa, sih-aspa' in the Mansabdari system belongs to Emperor Jahangir.

Revision Table: Mughal Emperors and Mansabdari Reforms

Additional Information on Mansabdari System Evolution

The Mansabdari system was not static; it evolved significantly under different Mughal emperors. These changes were often necessitated by administrative needs, military requirements, and economic pressures.

• The distinction between Zat and Sawar became clearer over time. Zat rank determined status and salary, while Sawar rank determined the military obligation. The Sawar rank could be equal to, less than, but rarely more than the Zat rank (except under specific circumstances like do-aspa/sih-aspa additions to the sawar part).
• The introduction of Do-aspa/Sih-aspa by Jahangir allowed for military flexibility. A mansabdar designated 'do-aspa, sih-aspa' for a portion of their sawar rank would be paid extra to maintain the additional horses and troopers. This was a way to grant higher military responsibility and pay without altering the Mansabdar's position in the zat hierarchy.
• Shahjahan's reforms were partly a response to the increasing number of mansabdars and the strain on resources. Reducing the required number of troops related to the sawar rank helped manage the military expenditure and the availability of jagirs (land assignments).
• The later period saw issues like the difference between the paper value of a jagir and its actual revenue collected (jama and hasil difference), contributing to the Jagirdari crisis under Aurangzeb.

Understanding these modifications helps appreciate the dynamic nature of the Mughal administrative machinery.