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.

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

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.