Question

The Mansabdari system, a unique military and administrative grading system, was perfected by which Mughal Emperor?

• A. Babur
• B. Humayun
• C. Akbar
• D. Aurangzeb

Hint:

The {Mansabdari system} was a military and administrative ranking system {perfected by Akbar}. It classified officials based on {Zat (rank)} and {Sawar (number of cavalry maintained)}.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: The Mansabdari system was an important administrative and military system of the Mughal Empire. It organized the nobility and army by assigning ranks, known as {mansabs}, to officials. These ranks determined their position, salary, and the number of soldiers they had to maintain.
Step 1:Meaning of Mansab.
The word Mansab means {rank or position}. Officers who held these ranks were called Mansabdars.
Step 2:Structure of the system.
Each Mansabdar was given two numerical ranks:

• Zat – indicated the personal rank and status of the officer.
• Sawar – indicated the number of cavalry soldiers the officer was required to maintain.

Step 3:Development under Akbar.
Although the system had earlier influences, it was systematically organized and perfected by Emperor Akbar. He used it to maintain efficient administration and control over the nobility and military.
Step 4:Importance of the system.
The Mansabdari system helped create a centralized administrative structure and strengthened the Mughal Empire by ensuring loyalty and efficiency among officials.