Whose administration became a model that was followed by Akbar when he consolidated the Mughal Empire?
Sher Shah Suri
Understanding Akbar's Administration and its Models
The question asks about the administrative model that Emperor Akbar followed when consolidating the vast Mughal Empire. Akbar, one of the most famous Mughal rulers, significantly expanded and organized the empire. To build a strong and stable administration, he drew lessons from previous rulers in the Indian subcontinent.
Analyzing Potential Administrative Models for Akbar
Let's look at the options provided and consider their potential influence on Akbar's administration:
- Bahlul Lodi: He was the founder of the Lodi dynasty. His administration was more focused on maintaining control over Afghan chieftains rather than establishing a centralized, uniform system like the Mughals later developed.
- Ghiyas ud din Balban: A powerful ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, Balban is known for his strong central authority and emphasis on the prestige of the Sultan. While his ideas on kingship and centralisation were influential historically, his specific administrative structures were different from the detailed system adopted by Akbar.
- Iltutmish: Another significant ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, Iltutmish is credited with consolidating the Sultanate's hold over northern India. He introduced administrative divisions and currency reforms. However, his system was also tailored to the needs of the early Sultanate and predates many of the complexities faced by Akbar.
- Sher Shah Suri: Sher Shah Suri ruled for a short period (1540-1545) but implemented remarkable administrative, land revenue, and currency reforms. He built roads, established a currency, and organised land measurement and taxation efficiently. His administrative divisions and revenue collection methods were notably effective.
Sher Shah Suri: A Precedent for Mughal Administration
Historians widely acknowledge that Sher Shah Suri's administrative system, despite his short reign, was highly efficient and served as a significant inspiration for Akbar. Akbar adopted and further refined many of Sher Shah's policies, particularly in the areas of land revenue and general administration.
Key Administrative Reforms of Sher Shah Suri Adopted by Akbar:
Sher Shah's system laid the groundwork for several key aspects of the Mughal administration under Akbar:
- Land Revenue System: Sher Shah introduced a system of land measurement and direct collection of revenue based on the fertility of the land. This approach aimed to be fair to both the state and the peasants. Akbar's Zabti system (also known as the Dahsala system later) was a refinement and continuation of this principle.
- Currency Reforms: Sher Shah standardized the currency, introducing the Rupiya (silver coin), Dam (copper coin), and Mohur (gold coin). This facilitated trade and economic stability. Akbar continued and further standardized the Mughal currency based on this model.
- Roads and Communication: Sher Shah built important roads, like the Grand Trunk Road, and established Sarais (rest houses) for travelers and merchants. This infrastructure was crucial for efficient administration, trade, and troop movement, which Akbar also maintained and expanded.
- Centralized Administration: Sher Shah created a hierarchical administrative structure with clearly defined responsibilities. This focus on centralization and efficient governance was a key feature adopted by the Mughal administration under Akbar.
The effectiveness and practicality of Sher Shah Suri's reforms made them a logical template for Akbar as he sought to create a stable, prosperous, and well-governed empire after regaining control from the Sur dynasty.
| Aspect | Sher Shah Suri's Administration | Akbar's Administration |
|---|---|---|
| Land Revenue | System of land measurement and direct assessment (based on produce/fertility). Introduced Patta and Qabuliyat documents. | Refined into Zabti/Dahsala system, based on average produce over 10 years. Further detailed measurement and assessment. |
| Currency | Standardized silver Rupiya, copper Dam, gold Mohur. | Continued and further standardized the currency system based on Sher Shah's model. |
| Infrastructure | Built major roads (e.g., Grand Trunk Road), Sarais. | Maintained and expanded the road network and Sarais. |
| Centralization | Emphasis on a strong central government and hierarchical structure. | Strong central authority, Mansabdari system for administration and military, detailed bureaucracy. |
Therefore, it is clear that Sher Shah Suri's innovative administrative measures provided a valuable blueprint that Akbar adapted and improved upon for the administration of the Mughal Empire.
Revision Table: Key Rulers and Administration Styles
| Ruler/Dynasty | Period | Key Administrative Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi Sultanate (General) | 1206-1526 | Varied, often focused on military control, revenue collection; lacked uniformity across regions. |
| Bahlul Lodi | 1451-1489 | Tribal confederacy model, power shared with Afghan nobles; less centralized. |
| Ghiyas ud din Balban | 1266-1287 | Strong central authority, emphasis on Sultan's power; reforms primarily political/military to suppress revolts. |
| Iltutmish | 1211-1236 | Consolidated Sultanate territory, introduced administrative divisions (Iqtas), standardized currency (Tanka, Jital). |
| Sher Shah Suri (Sur Empire) | 1540-1545 | Highly efficient, systematic land revenue (Zabti), standardized currency, infrastructure development (roads, Sarais), strong centralisation. |
| Akbar (Mughal Empire) | 1556-1605 | Built upon Sur system; Mansabdari system, refined land revenue (Dahsala), religious tolerance (Sulh-i-Kul), detailed bureaucracy, standardized currency. |
Additional Information on Mughal Administration and Sher Shah's Legacy
Akbar's genius lay in his ability to not only conquer vast territories but also to integrate them into a cohesive administrative structure. He recognized the effectiveness of Sher Shah's reforms, which had proven successful even in a short period. By adopting elements like the systematic land revenue assessment and standardized currency, Akbar provided a strong economic foundation for the empire. The development of roads and communication networks initiated by Sher Shah also played a crucial role in maintaining control over the large empire and facilitating trade. The administrative divisions and officers introduced by Sher Shah were also adapted by the Mughals. Thus, Sher Shah Suri's brief but impactful rule left a lasting legacy on the administrative history of the Indian subcontinent, directly influencing the shape of the great Mughal Empire under Akbar.
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?
Which one among the following statements about the Mansabdari system is correct?
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?
_________ has been called the "architect king" as during his reign, the world witnessed a unique development of arts and culture of the Mughal Empire.
