- Assignment Code:MHI-104/ASST/TMA/2024-25
Nature of Mughal Administration
The Mughal administration (16th–18th centuries) was a highly organized and centralized system, blending Persian traditions with local Indian elements. It was structured to efficiently govern the vast and diverse territories of the Mughal Empire, which at its peak included much of the Indian subcontinent. The administrative system evolved under different emperors, but its foundations were laid by Babur and Humayun, and it was further developed by Akbar the Great. The Mughals are known for their strong, centralized monarchy, efficient tax system, and integration of diverse cultures into governance.
Here’s an overview of the key aspects of Mughal administration:
1. Centralized Monarchy
The Mughal state was a centralized monarchy where the emperor wielded supreme power. The emperor was not only the political leader but also held religious authority, often being seen as the protector of Islam.
- Absolute Power of the Emperor: The Mughal emperor was the highest authority in the empire, responsible for making key decisions in administration, military, law, and religion. The emperor’s court was the center of all administrative activity, and his orders (known as farmans) were binding on all officials and subjects.
- Divine Kingship: The Mughal rulers, especially under Akbar, promoted the idea of the king as a divinely chosen ruler. Akbar’s concept of Sulh-i-Kul (universal peace) promoted religious tolerance and positioned the emperor as the protector of all religious communities in the empire, not just Muslims.
2. Mansabdari System
One of the most distinctive features of Mughal administration was the Mansabdari system, introduced by Akbar to organize the military and bureaucracy.
- Ranks and Responsibilities: Under this system, officials were given ranks known as mansabs, which determined their status in the bureaucracy and military. Mansabdars (rank holders) were responsible for maintaining a certain number of troops (from 10 to 10,000 or more) based on their rank. They were paid through land assignments called Jagirs.
- Jagirdari System: Mansabdars were assigned Jagirs (land revenue grants) from which they collected taxes to maintain their troops and pay for other expenses. These Jagirs were not hereditary, and the emperor could transfer or revoke them at any time, ensuring that the nobility remained loyal to the central authority.
3. Revenue System
The revenue system was crucial to the Mughal Empire’s prosperity and stability. The empire was predominantly agrarian, and land revenue was its primary source of income.
- Land Revenue Collection: The revenue system was based on land surveys and assessments. Akbar introduced the Zabt system, which fixed land taxes based on the fertility of the soil and the yield of the land. The land was divided into three categories: Polaj (cultivated annually), Parauti (fallow land), and Chachar (land left uncultivated for a long time). Taxes were usually collected in cash but could also be collected in kind.
- Todar Mal’s Reforms: Akbar’s finance minister, Raja Todar Mal, played a significant role in reforming the revenue system. He standardized measurement systems, land surveys, and tax rates, making the revenue system more efficient and fair.
- Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Taxes: Besides land revenue, taxes were also collected on trade, manufacture, and other economic activities. There were customs duties on goods traded within the empire and across its borders, contributing significantly to the state’s revenue.
4. Provincial Administration
The Mughal Empire was divided into large territorial units known as Subahs (provinces). These were further divided into Sarkars (districts), Parganas (sub-districts), and Villages.
- Subahdars: Each Subah was governed by a Subahdar, appointed by the emperor. The Subahdar was the chief administrator and military commander of the province, responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and overseeing the provincial bureaucracy.
- Diwan and Other Officials: The provincial administration had various officials. The Diwan was in charge of revenue collection, while the Bakshi managed the military. The Qazi oversaw the judiciary, and the Kotwal was responsible for policing towns and cities.
5. Judicial System
The Mughal judicial system was a blend of Islamic law (Sharia) and local customs. The emperor was the highest judicial authority, but the judicial administration was carried out by officials at various levels.
- Qazis: Islamic judges, known as Qazis, were appointed in provinces and districts to preside over legal disputes, especially those involving Muslims. They were responsible for applying Sharia law in matters like marriage, inheritance, and criminal cases.
- Local Customs: In regions where non-Muslims formed the majority, local customs and laws were often taken into account. Akbar’s policy of Sulh-i-Kul encouraged tolerance and allowed local traditions to be integrated into the judicial system.
- Justice for All: While Islamic law was predominant, Mughal rulers, especially Akbar, were keen on providing justice to all religious communities, including Hindus. Akbar’s efforts to create a more inclusive system marked a significant shift in the way justice was administered.
6. Military Organization
The Mughal military was well-organized and instrumental in expanding and maintaining the empire’s vast territories. The Mansabdari system played a crucial role in the organization of the military.
- Cavalry and Infantry: The Mughal military relied heavily on its cavalry, which was one of the most powerful in the region. Infantry soldiers, along with war elephants and artillery, made up the bulk of the army.
- Navy: Though the Mughals were primarily a land-based power, they also maintained a navy to protect their coastal territories and trade routes.
- Mercenaries and Allies: The Mughals employed mercenaries and made alliances with local rulers, who contributed troops to the empire’s military campaigns.
7. Religious and Cultural Policies
Mughal administration was characterized by its relative religious tolerance, particularly under Akbar.
- Religious Tolerance: Akbar promoted the policy of Sulh-i-Kul, or peace for all, encouraging harmony between the diverse religious communities of the empire, including Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Christians, and Sikhs. He abolished the jizya (a tax on non-Muslims) and married Hindu princesses, incorporating Hindu nobles into his administration.
- Cultural Patronage: The Mughal emperors were great patrons of art, literature, and architecture. The empire saw the flourishing of Persian culture alongside Indian traditions. Mughal architecture, such as the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri, symbolized the grandeur of the empire.
8. Decline of Mughal Administration
By the time of Aurangzeb’s reign (1658–1707), the Mughal administration began to show signs of strain. His religious policies, including the re-imposition of the jizya and intolerance toward non-Muslims, led to unrest. The Mansabdari system also started to weaken, with corruption and inefficiency creeping into the administration. After Aurangzeb’s death, the Mughal Empire entered a period of decline, marked by the rise of regional powers and challenges to central authority.
Conclusion
The Mughal administration was one of the most sophisticated systems in pre-modern India, blending Persian administrative traditions with local Indian practices. The empire’s centralized monarchy, efficient revenue system, and military organization enabled the Mughals to control vast territories and govern a diverse population. The Mughal emperors, particularly Akbar, emphasized religious tolerance and cultural patronage, creating a legacy of inclusiveness and grandeur. However, by the late 17th century, internal weaknesses and external pressures contributed to the gradual decline of the Mughal administration.