Write a short note on the structure of Moghul Administrative System.

The Mughal Empire, which ruled over the Indian subcontinent from the early 16th to the mid-19th centuries, had a highly organized administrative system that facilitated effective governance and centralized control over vast territories. The administrative structure of the Mughal Empire was characterized by its hierarchical nature, division of responsibilities, and incorporation of both indigenous and imperial elements.

1. Central Administration:
At the apex of the administrative hierarchy was the emperor (Badshah), who held absolute authority and exercised supreme control over the empire. The emperor was assisted by a council of ministers, including the wazir (prime minister), diwan (finance minister), mir bakhshi (military commander), and other officials who advised on matters of governance, finance, and military affairs.

2. Provincial Administration:
The empire was divided into provinces (subahs), each governed by a provincial governor (subahdar) appointed by the emperor. The provincial governor was responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting revenue, and administering justice within their jurisdiction. They were assisted by a team of officials, including the diwan (revenue officer), faujdar (military commander), and qazi (judge), who helped manage the affairs of the province.

3. District Administration:
Provinces were further divided into districts (sarkars or parganas), each administered by a local official known as the amil or shikdar. The amil was responsible for revenue collection, land administration, and law enforcement at the district level. They were supported by a network of revenue officials, village headmen (chowdhurys), and police officers (kotwals) who helped maintain order and manage local affairs.

4. Revenue Administration:
Revenue administration was a crucial aspect of the Mughal administrative system. The empire implemented a sophisticated revenue system known as zabt, which involved assessing and collecting land revenue based on the quality and productivity of agricultural land. Revenue officials, known as diwans or amils, were responsible for overseeing the assessment, collection, and distribution of revenue in their respective jurisdictions.

5. Military Administration:
The Mughal Empire maintained a powerful military apparatus to protect its territories and enforce imperial authority. The military was organized into a hierarchical structure, with the emperor at the top as the supreme commander (Sipahsalar). The army comprised various units, including cavalry (sowar), infantry (pikemen), artillery (topchi), and elephant corps (hathi khana), each led by experienced commanders and officers.

6. Judicial Administration:
The Mughal Empire had a well-developed judicial system to administer justice and uphold the rule of law. Islamic law (Sharia) served as the basis for legal proceedings, with qazis appointed to preside over courts and adjudicate civil and criminal cases. The emperor also established a separate appellate court (diwan-i-mazalim) to hear appeals and grievances against the decisions of lower courts.

Overall, the administrative structure of the Mughal Empire was characterized by its centralized authority, division of responsibilities, and efficient management of diverse territories. Despite its hierarchical nature, the empire's administrative system incorporated elements of local governance, cultural diversity, and institutional flexibility, which contributed to its longevity and stability as one of the most significant empires in Indian history.