The Mansabdari System was a military-cum-administrative system introduced by Akbar in the Mughal Empire. It was a system of ranking officials based on their military and civil duties. The word “Mansab” means rank or position.
Basic Information on Mansabdari System
- Introduced by: Akbar (in 1571 CE)
- Purpose: Military and civil administration
- Rank-Based System: Officials were ranked according to their Mansab (position).
- Dual Rank System: Zat (Personal rank) & Sawar (Cavalry rank).
- Used for: Military recruitment, administration, revenue collection
Structure of Mansabdari System
| Rank Type | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Zat (Personal Rank) | Showed the status and salary of a Mansabdar |
| Sawar (Cavalry Rank) | Indicated how many cavalrymen (horses) a Mansabdar must maintain |
- Higher Zat rank = Higher salary.
- Higher Sawar rank = More soldiers under the Mansabdar.
Ranks in the Mansabdari System
- Highest Rank: 10,000 Zat (Given to top nobles & princes).
- Middle Ranks: 500 – 4,000 Zat (Given to provincial officers).
- Lowest Rank: 10 Zat (Given to lower officials & small administrators).
Example:
- Raja Man Singh → 7,000 Zat & 7,000 Sawar (Highest rank under Akbar).
- Birbal → 2,000 Zat.
Duties of Mansabdars
- Military Responsibility:
- Maintain a specific number of cavalrymen (Sawars).
- Provide soldiers for the Mughal army when required.
- Civil Administration:
- Worked as governors, revenue officers, and judges.
- Helped in law enforcement and governance.
- Revenue Collection:
- Some Mansabdars were given Jagirs (land revenue rights).
- Revenue collected was used for paying salaries to soldiers.
Salary & Payment System
- Mansabdars were paid salaries in cash (not in land).
- Salary was fixed according to the Zat rank.
- Some Mansabdars were given Jagirs (land grants), but they could not keep the land permanently.
Changes in the Mansabdari System Under Later Mughals
| Mughal Emperor | Changes in Mansabdari System |
|---|---|
| Akbar | Introduced the system, strict rules for maintaining cavalry. |
| Jahangir | Allowed more promotions among Mansabdars. |
| Shah Jahan | Increased the number of Mansabdars. |
| Aurangzeb | Increased Jagirdari Crisis, leading to corruption and inefficiency. |
Strengths of Mansabdari System
- Efficient Administration: Helped in governance and revenue collection.
- Strong Military System: Maintained a large, well-equipped army.
- Merit-Based Promotions: Mansabdars could be promoted based on performance.
- Unified Mughal Empire: Brought different regions under one administration.
Weaknesses of Mansabdari System
- Corruption & Fake Soldiers
- Some Mansabdars showed more soldiers on paper than they actually maintained.
- High Salaries Burdened Treasury
- The system became expensive and unsustainable over time.
- Jagirdari Crisis (Under Aurangzeb)
- Not enough land to distribute, leading to rebellions and financial crisis.
- Weak Successors Mismanaged the System
- Later Mughals failed to maintain discipline among Mansabdars.
Comparison: Mansabdari System vs. Jagirdari System
| Feature | Mansabdari System | Jagirdari System |
|---|---|---|
| Introduced By | Akbar | Delhi Sultanate (Later expanded by Mughals) |
| Purpose | Rank-based administration & army recruitment | Land revenue collection |
| Salary Type | Cash or Jagirs | Jagirs (Land grants) |
| Land Ownership | No land ownership | Jagirdars controlled land revenue |
Key Facts for Quick Revision
- Introduced by Akbar in 1571 for military & civil administration.
- Zat Rank = Personal Status & Salary, Sawar Rank = Number of Cavalry.
- Mansabdars were paid in cash or given Jagirs (land grants).
- Highest rank: 10,000 Zat, Lowest rank: 10 Zat.
- Declined under Aurangzeb due to the Jagirdari Crisis.
MCQs on Mansabdari System
1. Who introduced the Mansabdari System in the Mughal Empire?
A) Babur
B) Humayun
C) Akbar
D) Aurangzeb
✅ Answer: C) Akbar
2. What did the “Sawar” rank indicate in the Mansabdari System?
A) Number of land holdings
B) Number of cavalry maintained
C) Administrative rank
D) Religious status
✅ Answer: B) Number of cavalry maintained
3. Which Mughal emperor increased the number of Mansabdars, leading to a financial crisis?
A) Akbar
B) Jahangir
C) Shah Jahan
D) Aurangzeb
✅ Answer: D) Aurangzeb
4. What was the main source of income for Mansabdars?
A) Personal land
B) Cash salary or Jagirs
C) Taxes from merchants
D) Gifts from the king
✅ Answer: B) Cash salary or Jagirs
5. What was the highest Mansab rank under Akbar?
A) 5,000 Zat
B) 10,000 Zat
C) 2,000 Zat
D) 1,000 Zat
✅ Answer: B) 10,000 Zat
Subjective Questions for Further Revision
Short Answer Questions (2-5 Marks)
- What was the Mansabdari System, and why was it introduced?
- Explain the difference between Zat and Sawar ranks.
- How did Mansabdars contribute to Mughal administration?
- What was the role of Jagirs in the Mansabdari System?
- Why did the Mansabdari System decline under Aurangzeb?
Long Answer Questions (8-15 Marks)
- Discuss the features and functions of the Mansabdari System.
- Compare the Mansabdari System under Akbar and Aurangzeb.
- Explain the causes of corruption in the Mansabdari System.
- How did the Mansabdari System help in the expansion of the Mughal Empire?
- Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the Mansabdari System.