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× #1 The Indus Valley Civilization: Foundations of Urban Culture in Ancient India #2 The Indus Valley Civilization: Foundations of Urban Culture in Ancient India #3 Vedic Civilization: Evolution of Society and Thought in Ancient India #4 Mahajanapadas and the Rise of Kingdoms in Ancient India #5 The Rise of the Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta Maurya #6 Emperor Ashoka and the Spread of Buddhism #7 Decline of the Mauryan Empire #8 The Rise of the Shunga Dynasty and the Brahmanical Revival #9 The Satavahana Dynasty – Bridging North and South India #10 The Indo-Greek and Kushan Invasions – Crossroads of Cultures #11 The Sangam Age – Literature, Trade, and Tamilakam’s Golden Past #12 Mauryan Empire – Political Centralization and Ashoka’s Dhamma #13 Post-Mauryan Age – Indo-Greeks, Shakas, Kushans, and Cultural Exchanges #14 The Rise and Achievements of the Gupta Empire (c. 320–550 CE) #15 Post-Gupta Period and the Rise of Regional Kingdoms (c. 550–750 CE) #16 Pallavas and Chalukyas: South India’s Classical Kingdoms (c. 6th–8th Century CE) #17 Rashtrakutas and Their Contributions to Art and Empire (c. 8th–10th Century CE) #18 Pandyas and Cheras: Southern Trade and Cultural Flourishing (c. 6th Century BCE – 13th Century CE) #19 The Rise of the Maurya Empire and the Role of Chandragupta Maurya #20 The Reign of Bindusara – Consolidation and Expansion of the Maurya Empire #21 Foundation and Expansion of the Delhi Sultanate #22 Alauddin Khalji’s Market Reforms and Military Expansion #23 Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s Ambitious Experiments and Their Consequences #24 Firoz Shah Tughlaq’s Welfare State and Religious Orthodoxy #25 Rise of the Vijayanagara Empire: Foundation, Expansion, and Administration #26 Bahmani Sultanate: Origin, Administration, and Cultural Contributions #27 Delhi Sultanate under the Tughlaq Dynasty: Reforms, Failures, and Legacy #28 Vijayanagara Empire: Rise, Administration, Culture, and Downfall #29 Bahmani Kingdom: Origin, Culture, and Struggle with Vijayanagara #30 Delhi Sultanate in the South: Influence on the Deccan #31 Krishna Deva Raya: The Philosopher King and His Administration #32 Battle of Talikota (1565) and the Decline of the Vijayanagara Empire #33 Mughal Empire: Rise under Babur and Humayun #34 Akbar the Great: Expansion and Consolidation of the Mughal Empire #35 Jahangir and Shah Jahan: Continuity, Culture, and the Peak of Mughal Aesthetics #36 Aurangzeb: Orthodoxy, Expansion, and the Seeds of Decline #37 Later Mughals and the Decline of the Empire (1707–1857) #38 The Maratha Confederacy: Rise, Expansion, and Conflicts with the Mughals and British #39 The Rise and Fall of the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh #40 Bhakti and Sufi Movements: Spiritual Awakening in Medieval India #41 Mughal Administration: Centralization, Mansabdari, and Provincial Governance #42 Rise of the Marathas: Shivaji, Administration, and Expansion #43 Peshwa Administration and the Expansion of Maratha Power in North India #44 Third Battle of Panipat (1761): Causes, Course, and Consequences #45 Decline of the Mughal Empire: Internal Weaknesses and External Pressures #46 Establishment of British Power in India: From Trading Company to Political Empire #47 The Revolt of 1857: Causes, Events, and Consequences #48 Social Reform Movements in 19th Century India: Bridging Tradition and Modernity #49 Formation of the Indian National Congress (1885): The Birth of Political Awakening in India #50 Partition of Bengal (1905): Divide and Rule Strategy and the Rise of Extremist Nationalism #51 The Surat Split (1907): Clash of Moderates and Extremists in the Indian National Congress #52 The Home Rule Movement (1916): Laying the Foundation for Self-Governance #53 The Lucknow Pact (1916): A Rare Moment of Hindu-Muslim Unity #54 The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms and the Government of India Act, 1919: A Step Forward or a Tactical Delay? #55 The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22): Gandhi’s Mass Awakening of India #56 Simon Commission and Nehru Report (1927–28): Rejection, Resistance, and the Quest for Dominion Status #57 Lahore Session of 1929 and the Demand for Purna Swaraj: The Tricolour of Defiance #58 Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–34): Salt, Satyagraha, and the Spirit of Rebellion #59 Round Table Conferences (1930–1932): Dialogues Amidst Dissonance #60 Government of India Act 1935: The Last Colonial Blueprint #61 Quit India Movement (1942): A Call for “Do or Die” #62 Indian National Army and Subhas Chandra Bose: The Armed Resistance Against Empire #63 The Royal Indian Navy Revolt (1946): Mutiny That Rocked the Empire #64 The Mountbatten Plan and the Partition of India (1947): Final Steps to Freedom #65 Integration of Princely States and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Role: The Iron Man’s Mission to Unite India #66 Formation and Adoption of the Indian Constitution: The Framing of a Republic #67 Nagara style of Temple Architecture and its regional variations #68 Dravida Style of Temple Architecture and Its Features #69 The Legacy and Philosophy of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati #70 The Arya Samaj Movement and Its Impact on Indian Society #71 India’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and the UNESCO list #72 Tribal Art and Culture of India: Warli, Gond, and Santhal Traditions #73 The syncretic nature of Sufi and Bhakti movements in promoting social harmony #74 Contributions of ancient India to Science and Mathematics (e.g., metallurgy, astronomy) #75 Development of Rock-Cut Architecture from Mauryan caves to Pallava Rathas #76 Maritime history of ancient and medieval India: Trade, cultural exchange, and naval power #77 The role and status of women in the Vedic and post-Vedic periods #78 The influence of Buddhist art and philosophy on Southeast Asian culture #79 Raja Ram Mohan Roy #80 Swami Vivekananda #81 Swami Dayananda Saraswati #82 Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar #83 Sri Ramakrishna Paramhamsa #84 Rani Lakshmibai: The Warrior Queen of Jhansi #85 Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: The Architect of Modern India's Social Justice #86 Jyotirao Phule: The Pioneer of Social Reform and Education in Modern India #87 Gopal Krishna Gokhale: The Moderate Reformer and Mentor of Gandhi #88 Bal Gangadhar Tilak: The Father of Indian Unrest and the Awakening of National Consciousness #89 Annie Besant: The Theosophist, Reformer, and Catalyst for Indian Nationalism #90 Dadabhai Naoroji: The Grand Old Man of India and the Architect of Economic Nationalism #91 Gopal Krishna Gokhale: The Liberal Reformer and Mentor of Mahatma Gandhi #92 Bal Gangadhar Tilak: Father of Indian Unrest and Champion of Swaraj #93 Bhagat Singh: The Revolutionary Who Lit the Flame of Freedom #94 Lala Lajpat Rai: The Lion of Punjab and a Voice of Assertive Nationalism #95 Robert Clive (1754-1767) #96 Warren Hastings (1772–1785): The First Governor-General of India #97 Lord Cornwallis (1786–1793): Reformer of British Administration in India #98 Lord Wellesley (1798–1805): Architect of British Supremacy through Subsidiary Alliance #99 Tipu Sultan: The Tiger of Mysore and the Struggle Against British Colonialism #100 DEVELOPMENT OF CIVIL SERVICES #101 Champaran Satyagraha

HISTORY

Introduction

The Mughal Empire, which ruled much of the Indian subcontinent from the early 16th to the 18th century, is often remembered for its magnificent architecture, cultural achievements, and powerful rulers. However, beneath this imperial grandeur lay a complex and centralized administrative framework that held the empire together. From Babur’s early attempts to Akbar’s administrative genius, and eventually the decline during the later Mughals, the Mughal system reflected a keen understanding of governance, resource management, and control over a diverse and stratified society.

1. Nature of the Mughal State: Centralization with Flexibility

  • The Mughals followed a highly centralized system, with the emperor at the apex of all decision-making.

  • Despite the central authority, there was flexibility in local governance, allowing accommodation of regional practices and power holders (zamindars and local chieftains).

  • Emphasis was placed on bureaucratic hierarchy, record-keeping, and revenue collection.

2. Central Administration

a. Emperor

  • The emperor was the supreme authority, considered the shadow of God on Earth (Zill-e-Ilahi).

  • He had absolute control over administration, military, justice, and appointments.

b. Important Officials at the Centre

  1. Wazir (Prime Minister): Head of revenue and finance, sometimes called Diwan-i-Kul.

  2. Mir Bakshi: Head of the military and intelligence; maintained the mansabdars’ records.

  3. Sadr-us-Sudur: In charge of religious endowments and judiciary.

  4. Qazi-ul-Quzat: Chief justice of the empire.

  5. Mir Saman: Supervisor of the royal household and karkhanas (workshops).

3. Mansabdari System

a. Origin and Purpose

  • Introduced by Akbar, the Mansabdari system was a rank-based system to regulate the nobility and military.

  • It unified the civil and military administration under one hierarchy.

b. Key Features

  • Each officer (mansabdar) was assigned a rank (mansab) ranging from 10 to 10,000, usually expressed in Zat and Sawār:

    • Zat: Denoted personal status and salary.

    • Sawār: Number of cavalrymen a mansabdar had to maintain.

  • The rank was not hereditary, and promotions or demotions were at the emperor’s discretion.

  • Jagirs (land revenue assignments) were given in lieu of salaries, but were non-hereditary and transferable.

  • A dagh (branding system) and chehra (description) system ensured soldiers and horses were not faked on paper.

c. Advantages

  • Prevented feudal decentralization.

  • Ensured loyalty to the emperor, not to a region.

  • Created a standardized military bureaucracy.

4. Provincial Administration

a. Division of the Empire

  • The empire was divided into Subas (provinces).

  • Under Akbar, there were 15 Subas, later expanding further.

b. Provincial Officials

  1. Subedar – Governor of the province; represented the emperor and maintained law and order.

  2. Diwan – In charge of provincial revenue.

  3. Bakshi – Maintained provincial army records.

  4. Sadr – Managed religious and charitable endowments.

  5. Qazi – Judicial authority in the province.

  • Each Suba was further divided into Sarkars (districts), Parganas (groups of villages), and villages.

5. Revenue Administration (Zabt System)

a. Todar Mal’s Reforms

  • Akbar’s finance minister Raja Todar Mal introduced the Zabt system, a standardized method of land revenue assessment.

  • Based on measurement of land (bigha) and classification by productivity.

  • Revenue fixed in cash (not in kind), leading to monetization of the economy.

  • Introduced Ain-i-Dahsala (ten-year average) system in parts of northern India.

b. Other Revenue Systems

  • Batai (share of produce), Kankut (estimated yield), and Nasaq (past records) were also used in different regions.

  • Revenue was collected by Amils (revenue officials) and through Zamindars (landholders), who played a crucial intermediary role.

6. Judicial System

  • The Mughals followed Islamic law (Sharia) for Muslims and customary laws for non-Muslims.

  • The emperor was the highest judge.

  • At lower levels, Qazis handled civil and criminal cases.

  • Justice was often swift, and public punishments were common.

7. Military Administration

  • The military was tied to the mansabdari system, where each mansabdar had to maintain a contingent of cavalry.

  • Forts, arsenals, and a standing army existed in addition to the nobles’ private armies.

  • Emperors maintained elephants, artillery, and war-boats.

8. Decline of the Administrative System

  • By the late 17th century, the system began to weaken due to:

    • Corruption and jagir crises.

    • Non-payment of salaries.

    • Over-centralization and inefficient provincial control.

    • Rise of regional powers and disintegration of loyalty.

    • Aurangzeb’s overextension of the empire and religious intolerance.

Conclusion

The Mughal administrative system, especially under Akbar, was a masterpiece of imperial governance—a blend of Persian bureaucracy, Indian traditions, and military precision. The mansabdari system ensured control over a vast and diverse empire, while provincial structures balanced autonomy and authority. However, its success relied heavily on a strong central figure. As that central control weakened under later emperors, the system collapsed, giving way to regional fragmentation. Nonetheless, its legacy of structured governance and revenue administration influenced even the British colonial setup and continues to echo in modern India.