Which one among the following statements about the Mansabdari system is correct?
Position and salary of mansabdars were indicated by a numerical designation called zat.
Understanding the Mughal Mansabdari System
The Mansabdari system was a grading system used by the Mughals to fix rank, salary, and military responsibilities. Introduced by Emperor Akbar, it was a unique system that organised the military and civil administration of the empire.
Let's evaluate each statement provided about the Mansabdari system:
- Statement 1: All army troopers were allotted mansabs.
- This statement is incorrect. Mansabs were granted to officers and nobles, not to every individual soldier or trooper in the army. The troopers served under the mansabdars.
- Statement 2: Mansabs were usually assigned on the basis of ancestry.
- This statement is incorrect. While family background and lineage might have played some role, the Mansabdari system was primarily based on merit, loyalty, and the Emperor's discretion. Promotions and appointments were made based on service and performance rather than just ancestry.
- Statement 3: Position and salary of mansabdars were indicated by a numerical designation called zat.
- This statement is correct. The term 'zat' represented the personal rank and salary of a mansabdar. A higher 'zat' number meant a higher rank, greater social standing, and a larger personal salary. This was distinct from the 'sawar' rank.
- Statement 4: Mansabdars were never paid in cash.
- This statement is incorrect. Mansabdars were paid either in cash (known as naqdi) or through assignments of revenue from territories (known as jagirs). Often, they received jagirs in lieu of cash payment.
Based on the analysis of the statements, the correct statement about the Mansabdari system is that the position and salary of mansabdars were indicated by a numerical designation called zat.
The Significance of Zat and Sawar in the Mansabdari System
The Mansabdari system involved two numerical ranks: Zat and Sawar.
| Rank | Meaning | Indicates |
|---|---|---|
| Zat | Personal | Mansabdar's personal rank, status, and personal salary. |
| Sawar | Cavalryman | The number of cavalrymen the mansabdar was required to maintain and the corresponding payment for maintaining that contingent. |
The Zat rank was always equal to or higher than the Sawar rank. The Zat rank determined the mansabdar's place in the official hierarchy and his personal pay, confirming Statement 3 as accurate.
Revision Table: Key Aspects of Mansabdari System
- Introduced by Akbar.
- Grading system for military and civil officials.
- Determined rank, salary, and military responsibility.
- Comprised two ranks: Zat (personal rank/salary) and Sawar (cavalry contingent).
- Payment was either in cash (naqdi) or through land assignments (jagirs).
- Appointments and promotions based on merit and Emperor's will, not just ancestry.
Additional Information on Mansabdari System
The Mansabdari system was crucial to the administration and expansion of the Mughal Empire. It ensured that the Emperor had direct control over the military appointments and payment system. The system evolved over time, with complexities added regarding the maintenance of the Sawar contingent (e.g., the du-aspa sih-aspa system under Jahangir).
The Mansabdars formed the ruling elite and held significant power and influence. Their position was not hereditary; upon a mansabdar's death, his jagir would revert to the crown, and his sons would have to earn their own mansabs.
Important Questions from Mughal empire
Which of the following statements about Lachit Borphukan is/are correct?
1. He was a General of the Ahom Force.
2. He is known for his leadership in the Battle of Saraighat.
3. Lachit Borphukan Gold Medal is given to the best cadet at the National Defence Academy.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Which one of the following is the correct meaning of ziyarat?
What is the name of the award given to meritorious men in the Mughal Court in the form of a robe of honour that was once worn by the Emperor?
Whose administration became a model that was followed by Akbar when he consolidated the Mughal Empire?
_________ has been called the "architect king" as during his reign, the world witnessed a unique development of arts and culture of the Mughal Empire.
