Under Akbar, who was responsible for revenue and financial supervision across the entire Mughal Empire?
Understanding Mughal Administration Under Akbar
The question asks to identify the official in charge of revenue and financial supervision across the entire Mughal Empire during Emperor Akbar's reign.
Akbar's Chief Financial Officer: Diwan-i-Kul
During the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar, the administration was structured with specific departments headed by ministers responsible for different functions. The primary responsibility for overseeing the empire's revenue collection, expenditure, and overall financial management lay with a key minister.
The title 'Diwan-i-Kul', which translates to 'Minister of All', was held by the chief financial administrator. This individual was responsible for:
- Supervising the assessment and collection of land revenue.
- Managing the empire's treasury and finances.
- Ensuring proper allocation of funds for various state functions, including the military and civil administration.
- Maintaining financial records and accounts.
The Diwan-i-Kul played a crucial role in maintaining the economic stability and prosperity of the Mughal Empire.
Roles of Other Officials
To understand why the Diwan-i-Kul is the correct answer, let's look at the other positions mentioned:
| Title | Primary Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Vakil | The chief minister or regent, acting as the Emperor's deputy. While influential, their role was broader than just finance. |
| Subadar | The governor of a province (subah). Responsible for administration, justice, and maintaining order within their province, but not the overall empire's finance. |
| Mir Bakhshi | Head of the military department, responsible for military organization, recruitment, and salary disbursement (paymaster). Not directly involved in revenue collection or overall financial policy. |
| Diwan-i-Kul | Head of the revenue and finance department, responsible for financial supervision across the empire. |
Based on these roles, it is clear that the Diwan-i-Kul was the official specifically tasked with the crucial duty of financial supervision for the entire Mughal Empire under Akbar.
Important Questions from Medieval History
- Who among the following officials was responsible for maintaining law and order in a village during Sher Shah's administration?
- When was the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty founded by Nagabhatta I in the region of Malwa?
- Which of the following dynasties was NOT involved in the struggle for the control of the prosperous city of Kannauj in northern India?
- Who among the following was the renowned poet-saint of the Bhakti movement known for composing dohas (couplets)?
- In which of the following years was Burhan-ul-Mulk appointed the Nazim of Awadh?
