Jot down a brief note on the fundamentals of the Mansab system under Akbar. Which modifications were made to the Mansab system in the seventeenth century?
Write a note on the basic features of the Mansab system under Akbar. What changes were introduced in the Mansab system during the seventeenth century ?
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1. Introduction
The Mansab system, introduced by Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century, was a pivotal administrative and military innovation that played a crucial role in the structure and functioning of the Mughal Empire. This system underwent changes during the seventeenth century, shaping the dynamics of the Mughal military and bureaucracy.
2. Basic Features of the Mansab System under Akbar
Rank and Salary: The Mansab system was a hierarchical system of military ranking. Each officer, or Mansabdar, was assigned a Mansab, or rank, which determined their status and salary. Ranks were denoted by the number of horsemen (zat) and the size of the salary (sawar).
Integration of Military and Civil Administration: One distinctive feature of the Mansab system was its integration of military and civil administration. Mansabdars held dual roles, serving as military commanders and administrative officers, reflecting Akbar's emphasis on centralized governance.
Non-hereditary Nature: Mansabs were not hereditary, meaning that a Mansabdar's rank and position were not automatically passed down to their descendants. This feature ensured that positions were based on merit and loyalty rather than inherited privilege.
Zabt and Tankhwah: The Mansabdars received their salaries through two components – zabt (fixed salary from land revenue) and tankhwah (cash stipend). The balance between zabt and tankhwah could vary based on factors such as the Mansabdar's rank and the region of their posting.
3. Changes in the Mansab System during the Seventeenth Century
Increasing Financial Strain: As the Mughal Empire expanded and faced financial strain, the demand for higher Mansabs increased. Emperors in the seventeenth century, such as Jahangir and Shah Jahan, faced challenges in meeting these financial obligations, leading to a strain on the imperial treasury.
Jagirdari Crisis: The Mansabdars were often granted jagirs (land assignments) as part of their salary. However, during the seventeenth century, there was a crisis in the jagirdari system. The jagirs became hereditary, leading to revenue losses for the state and weakening central control.
Dependency on Jagirs: In the later years of the seventeenth century, Mansabdars became increasingly dependent on their jagirs for revenue. This dependency shifted their focus away from military responsibilities and administrative duties, contributing to a decline in the effectiveness of the Mansab system.
Administrative Reforms: To address the financial challenges and the jagirdari crisis, several administrative reforms were introduced. Aurangzeb attempted to regularize the system by enforcing a strict adherence to the separation of civil and military roles. However, these reforms faced challenges and were not fully successful in restoring the original intent of the Mansab system.
4. Impact on the Mughal Administration and Military
Weakening Central Authority: The changes in the Mansab system contributed to a weakening of central authority. The hereditary nature of jagirs led to the emergence of powerful regional elites who could challenge imperial control.
Decline in Military Efficiency: The original concept of the Mansab system, emphasizing merit and flexibility, gradually eroded. With the increased focus on hereditary jagirs, military efficiency declined as Mansabdars prioritized their local interests over imperial responsibilities.
Contributing Factors to Mughal Decline: The alterations in the Mansab system were symptomatic of broader issues within the Mughal administration and military. Financial strain, administrative inefficiencies, and challenges to central authority contributed to the overall decline of the Mughal Empire in the seventeenth century.
5. Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mansab system, introduced by Akbar, was a sophisticated and flexible administrative and military framework. However, changes in the seventeenth century, particularly the jagirdari crisis and financial challenges, led to modifications that weakened the original intent of the system. These alterations contributed to administrative inefficiencies and a decline in military effectiveness, ultimately playing a role in the broader challenges faced by the Mughal Empire during this period.