Mughal Administration Under Akbar: Key Reforms Explained for UPSC SSC

Central Administration Structure

Akbar established a highly centralized administration. The Emperor was the supreme head, holding all civil, military, and judicial powers. He was assisted by a council of ministers. The most important minister was the Vakil, who acted as the Prime Minister. However, Akbar later curtailed the Vakil's power to prevent over-centralization and appointed separate ministers for various departments. The Diwan was responsible for finance and revenue, managing the imperial treasury and land revenue collection. The Mir Bakshi was the head of the military department, responsible for recruitment, organization, and payment of the army. He also presented candidates for Mansab appointments to the Emperor. The Sadr-us-Sudur was the head of the ecclesiastical department, dealing with religious affairs, grants to religious scholars, and judicial matters related to Islamic law. The Mir Saman looked after the imperial household, including factories (karkhanas) and stores. This clear division of responsibilities ensured efficient governance across the vast empire.

Provincial Administration System

Akbar divided his empire into provinces called Subahs. Initially, there were 12 Subahs, which later increased to 15 by the end of his reign. Each Subah was headed by a Subahdar, also known as Sipahsalar, who was directly appointed by the Emperor. The Subahdar was responsible for maintaining law and order, commanding the provincial army, and ensuring the general welfare of the people. He was assisted by a provincial Diwan, who managed the revenue administration of the Subah, reporting directly to the Imperial Diwan. This dual control system, where the Subahdar and Diwan reported to different central authorities, acted as a check and balance, preventing any single official from becoming too powerful. Other important provincial officials included the Bakshi (military paymaster), Sadr (religious grants and justice), and Kotwal (city police chief). The Subahs were further divided into Sarkars (districts), and Sarkars into Parganas (sub-districts), each with its own set of officials like the Faujdar (military commander) and Amil (revenue collector).

Mansabdari System Explained

The Mansabdari system was a unique administrative and military system introduced by Akbar. The term 'Mansab' literally means rank or position. Every officer in the Mughal administration was given a Mansab, which determined his status, salary, and the number of troops he was required to maintain. The Mansab was divided into two parts: Zat and Sawar. The Zat indicated the personal status and salary of the Mansabdar. The Sawar rank indicated the number of cavalrymen (sawars) the Mansabdar was required to maintain and present for inspection. A Mansabdar was paid for both his Zat and Sawar ranks. The system was hierarchical, ranging from 10 to 5,000 or even 7,000 for princes. Mansabdars were paid either in cash (naqdi) or through land assignments (jagirs). This system ensured a unified military and civil service, where officers could be transferred between civil and military duties. It also helped in maintaining a large, disciplined army directly under imperial control, reducing the power of local chieftains.

Land Revenue Reforms

Akbar's land revenue system, known as the 'Zabti system' or 'Todar Mal's Bandobast', was a significant reform. It was largely implemented by Raja Todar Mal, his finance minister. The system involved a detailed survey and measurement of land. Land was classified into four categories based on fertility and cultivation frequency: Polaj (annually cultivated), Parauti (left fallow for a short period), Chachar (left fallow for 3-4 years), and Banjar (uncultivated for 5 or more years). The average produce of different crops and their prices over the last ten years were calculated to fix the revenue demand. One-third of the average produce was fixed as the state's share, payable in cash or kind. This system aimed to ensure a fair and stable revenue collection, protecting both the state's income and the peasants from arbitrary demands. The Dahsala system, introduced in 1580, further streamlined this by fixing the revenue based on the average produce of the previous ten years. This system provided stability and predictability in revenue collection, which was crucial for the empire's economic strength.

Judicial and Religious Policies

Akbar's judicial system was based on Islamic law, but he also incorporated local customs and traditions. The Emperor was the highest court of appeal. The Qazi-ul-Quzat was the chief Qazi, heading the judicial administration. Qazis were appointed at provincial and district levels to administer justice. The Mir Adl was another judicial officer who assisted the Qazi. Akbar also held regular public hearings, known as 'Jharokha Darshan', where he listened to grievances directly. His religious policy was marked by tolerance and an attempt to foster unity among different faiths. He abolished the Jizya tax (poll tax on non-Muslims) in 1564 and the pilgrimage tax. He established the Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) at Fatehpur Sikri in 1575, where he invited scholars and leaders of various religions Islam, Hinduism, Jainism, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism for discussions. This led to the formulation of Din-i-Ilahi in 1582, a syncretic faith based on universal peace and tolerance, though it did not gain widespread acceptance. His policy of Sulh-i-Kul (universal peace) promoted harmony and understanding among all religious groups.

Important Keywords Explained

Mansabdari Systemconcept

A unique administrative and military system introduced by Akbar. It assigned a 'Mansab' (rank) to every officer, determining their status, salary, and the number of cavalrymen (Sawar) they had to maintain. It integrated civil and military administration.

Zabti Systemconcept

Also known as Todar Mal's Bandobast, this was Akbar's land revenue system. It involved scientific measurement of land, classification based on fertility, and fixing revenue as one-third of the average produce over ten years (Dahsala system), payable in cash or kind.

Sulh-i-Kulconcept

Akbar's policy of 'universal peace' or 'absolute peace'. It promoted religious tolerance and harmony among different religious groups within the empire, influencing his abolition of Jizya and his discussions in the Ibadat Khana.

Raja Todar Malperson

Akbar's finance minister and one of his 'Navratnas' (nine jewels). He was instrumental in implementing the Dahsala system and other significant land revenue reforms, which stabilized the imperial finances.

Diwanorganization

A key minister in the Mughal central administration, responsible for finance and revenue. The Imperial Diwan controlled the treasury and supervised provincial Diwans, ensuring efficient revenue collection and expenditure.

Additional Facts & Context

• Akbar's Navratnas (nine jewels) included Raja Todar Mal, Abul Fazl, Faizi, Birbal, Tansen, Raja Man Singh, Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khana, Mulla Do-Piyaza, and Fakir Aziao-Din.
• The Ibadat Khana was initially open only to Sunni Muslims, but later to all religious scholars from 1578.
• The Ain-i-Akbari, written by Abul Fazl, provides detailed information about Akbar's administration and revenue system.
• Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri, which served as his capital from 1571 to 1585.
• The Mughal army under Akbar was primarily based on the Mansabdari system, supplemented by Ahadis (gentlemen troopers) and Dakhilis (contingent troops).