Mughal Administration Under Akbar: Key Reforms Explained for UPSC SSC

Central Administration Structure

Akbar established a highly centralized administrative system. 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 undue influence. The Diwan was responsible for revenue and finance, overseeing the imperial treasury and all financial transactions. The Mir Bakshi was the head of the military department, responsible for recruitment, organization, and payment of the army. He also presented candidates for Mansabs to the Emperor. The Sadr-us-Sudur was the head of religious endowments and charities, and also the chief Qazi, responsible for judicial administration. The Mir Saman managed the imperial household, including the karkhanas (factories) and stores. This structure ensured a clear chain of command and accountability within the central government.

Provincial Administration System

For efficient governance, 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, who was a governor appointed directly by the Emperor. The Subahdar was responsible for maintaining law and order, and ensuring the general welfare of the province. He was assisted by a Diwan, who was responsible for the provincial revenue administration and was directly accountable to the Imperial Diwan. This dual control system, with the Subahdar and the Provincial Diwan, provided a check and balance, preventing either official from becoming too powerful. Other important provincial officials included the Bakshi (military paymaster), Sadr (religious affairs), and Qazi (justice). Below the Subahs were Sarkars (districts), and further below were Parganas (sub-districts) and Grams (villages). Each level had its own set of administrators, ensuring effective governance from the center to the local level.

Mansabdari System Explained

The Mansabdari system was a unique administrative and military system introduced by Akbar in 1571. The term 'Mansab' literally means rank or position. Every officer in the Mughal administration was given a Mansab, which determined their rank, salary, and military obligations. The Mansab was divided into two parts: Zat and Sawar. The Zat indicated the personal status and salary of the Mansabdar. The Sawar indicated the number of cavalrymen (horses) the Mansabdar was required to maintain. A Mansabdar could be asked to maintain a contingent smaller than his Sawar rank, which was indicated by terms like 'do-aspa sih-aspa' (2-3 horses per trooper). The system was not hereditary; Mansabdars were appointed, promoted, and dismissed by the Emperor. This system ensured a unified military and civil service, directly loyal to the Emperor, and helped in maintaining a large, disciplined army. It also facilitated the integration of various ethnic and religious groups into the imperial service.

Land Revenue Reforms

Akbar's land revenue system, known as the 'Zabti system' or 'Todar Mal's Bandobast', was a significant reform. It was introduced by Raja Todar Mal, his finance minister. The system aimed at a fair and scientific assessment of land revenue. First, a detailed survey of land was conducted, and land was classified based on its fertility and productivity into Polaj (continuously cultivated), Parauti (left fallow for a short period), Chachar (fallow for 3-4 years), and Banjar (uncultivated for 5 or more years). The average produce of different crops was calculated over a period of ten years (1570-1580). One-third of this average produce was fixed as the state's share. The revenue could be paid in cash or kind, though cash payment was preferred. This system provided stability and predictability in revenue collection, benefiting both the state and the peasants. It replaced arbitrary assessments and reduced corruption, leading to increased agricultural output and state income. The Dahsala system, introduced in 1580, was a key feature of this reform.

Important Keywords Explained

Mansabdari Systemconcept

A unique administrative and military system introduced by Akbar in 1571. It assigned a 'Mansab' (rank) to every officer, determining their status, salary (Zat), and military obligation (Sawar). It created a unified civil and military service loyal to the Emperor, ensuring efficient administration and a strong army.

Dahsala Systemconcept

A land revenue system introduced by Raja Todar Mal in 1580 during Akbar's reign. It fixed the land revenue based on the average produce of the last ten years. One-third of the average produce was taken as the state's share, payable in cash or kind, providing stability and fairness in revenue collection.

Subahdarperson

The governor of a Subah (province) in the Mughal administration. Appointed by the Emperor, the Subahdar was responsible for maintaining law and order, and general administration within the province. He was assisted by a provincial Diwan for revenue matters.

Diwanperson

A key official in the Mughal administration, responsible for revenue and finance. At the central level, the Imperial Diwan managed the treasury. At the provincial level, the Provincial Diwan was accountable to the Imperial Diwan, creating a system of checks and balances.

Additional Facts & Context

• Akbar's reign lasted from 1556 to 1605.
• Raja Todar Mal was one of the 'Navratnas' (nine jewels) in Akbar's court.
• The 'Ain-i-Akbari', part of the 'Akbarnama', details Akbar's administration.
• Akbar abolished the Jizya tax in 1564, a tax on non-Muslims.
• The Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) was built by Akbar in 1575 at Fatehpur Sikri.