Discuss the central, provincial and local administration under Mughal administrative system in India.

Certainly! Here is a comprehensive discussion on the central, provincial, and local administration under the Mughal administrative system in India.

1. Central Administration

The Mughal Empire had a centralized administrative system where the emperor held supreme authority. The central administration was structured to efficiently govern the vast empire, which spanned across diverse regions and cultures.

Emperor (Padishah):

• The emperor (Padishah) was the apex of authority and power in the Mughal administrative hierarchy. All major decisions regarding governance, military campaigns, diplomacy, and justice were centralized under the emperor's authority.
• The emperor's court, known as the Darbar, was the focal point where nobles, courtiers, and officials gathered to advise and assist in governance.

Divan or Wazir:

• The chief minister, known as the Divan or Wazir, acted as the principal advisor to the emperor. They were responsible for overseeing revenue collection, maintaining accounts, and managing the treasury.
• The Divan played a crucial role in policy formulation and implementation at the imperial level.

Other Central Officers:

• The Mir Bakshi was responsible for military affairs and commanded the imperial army.
• The Sadr-i-Sadur oversaw religious endowments and charities.
• The Kotwal managed law and order in the capital city.

2. Provincial Administration

The Mughal Empire was divided into provinces or Subas, each governed by a Subedar or governor appointed by the emperor. The provincial administration was designed to maintain imperial control while accommodating regional diversity.

Subedar (Governor):

• The Subedar was appointed by the emperor and held considerable authority within the province. They were responsible for administrative, military, and fiscal matters.
• Subedars reported directly to the emperor and were tasked with maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and implementing imperial policies.

Diwan or Bakshi:

• The Diwan managed revenue collection and financial matters in the province. They ensured that taxes were collected efficiently and contributed to the imperial treasury.
• The Bakshi assisted the Subedar in military affairs, coordinating troop movements and defense strategies.

Local Administration:

3. Local Administration

At the local level, administration was decentralized and varied based on the size and importance of the locality within the empire. Mughal rulers implemented a system of decentralized governance to effectively manage day-to-day affairs and ensure local compliance with imperial directives.

Amils or Qanungos:

• Amils were appointed officials who administered districts or smaller regions within a province. They were responsible for tax collection, maintaining records, and resolving disputes at the local level.
• Qanungos acted as local revenue officers and played a crucial role in land revenue assessment and collection.

Panchayats or Village Councils:

• In rural areas, Panchayats or Village Councils were instrumental in local governance. These councils were composed of influential village elders who adjudicated disputes, managed community resources, and ensured compliance with imperial laws.
• Panchayats played a significant role in maintaining social order and cohesion within rural communities.

Conclusion

The Mughal administrative system in India was characterized by its centralized authority under the emperor, efficient provincial governance through appointed governors, and a decentralized local administration that maintained cohesion across diverse regions. This hierarchical structure allowed the Mughal Empire to effectively govern a vast territory and diverse population, contributing to its stability and longevity during its peak years. The system's emphasis on efficient revenue collection, military administration, and local governance ensured that the empire could sustain itself economically and politically for several centuries, leaving a lasting impact on Indian history and administration.