What was the nature of the Mughal administration? Discuss

What was the nature of the Mughal administration? Discuss

The Mughal Empire, which ruled over the Indian subcontinent from the early 16th to the mid-19th century, had a highly centralized and sophisticated administrative system.

The nature of Mughal administration was characterized by its efficient bureaucracy, elaborate revenue system, military organization, and cultural patronage. Here’s a detailed discussion on the nature of the Mughal administration:

1. Centralized Authority:

1. Imperial Authority:

• The Mughal Empire was governed by a powerful emperor (Padishah), who held supreme authority over all aspects of governance, including administration, military affairs, and justice.
• The emperor’s word was law, and his decrees (farman) were issued to provincial governors, officials, and nobles to enforce imperial policies.

1. Divine Right of Kingship:

• The Mughal emperors claimed their authority based on the principle of divine right of kingship, asserting their legitimacy as rulers ordained by God (Allah). This ideology reinforced the centralized nature of Mughal rule.

2. Administrative Structure:

1. Subahs and Sarkars:

• The Mughal Empire was divided into administrative units known as Subahs (provinces), which were further subdivided into Sarkars (districts).
• Each Subah was governed by a Subahdar (governor) appointed by the emperor, who was responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting revenue, and administering justice.

1. Mansabdari System:

• The Mughal military and administrative hierarchy was organized under the Mansabdari system, which assigned ranks (mansabs) and jagirs (land grants) to nobles and officials in exchange for military service and revenue collection.
• Each noble (mansabdar) held a specific rank (mansab) determined by the number of horsemen (sawar) he was required to maintain for the imperial army.

3. Revenue System:

1. Zabt and Zamindari:

• The Mughal revenue system was based on the principles of Zabt (fixed revenue assessment) and Zamindari (landlordism).
• Revenue officials (Amils) were appointed to assess and collect taxes from agricultural lands based on estimated yields. Land revenue, typically assessed at one-third of the produce, formed the primary source of state income.

1. Taxation:

• The Mughal state imposed various taxes, including land tax (zabt), irrigation tax (abwab), customs duties (sayer and dastak), and trade taxes (bazaar tax). These taxes were collected in cash or kind, depending on local conditions.

4. Military Organization:

1. Mansabdari System:

• The Mughal army was organized under the Mansabdari system, which ensured a well-trained and disciplined military force.
• Nobles (mansabdars) were appointed as commanders of military units (Sawar, Risala) based on their ranks (mansabs), and were responsible for recruiting, training, and maintaining soldiers.

1. Warrior Culture:

• The Mughal military was characterized by its diverse composition, incorporating infantry, cavalry, artillery, and elephants. It drew upon soldiers from various ethnic and religious backgrounds, fostering a sense of loyalty to the emperor.

5. Cultural Patronage:

1. Architecture and Art:

• The Mughal emperors were renowned for their patronage of architecture, art, and literature. They sponsored the construction of magnificent monuments such as the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, and Jama Masjid, which became iconic symbols of Mughal grandeur and artistic achievement.

1. Literature and Scholarship:

• Mughal rulers were patrons of Persian and Urdu literature, sponsoring the translation of Sanskrit texts, the compilation of historical chronicles, and the production of poetry, prose, and philosophical works.

6. Legacy:

1. Administrative Innovations:

• The Mughal administrative system laid the foundation for modern administrative practices in India, influencing subsequent rulers and colonial administrations.
• Many administrative institutions and practices introduced by the Mughals, such as revenue assessment, military organization, and cultural patronage, continued to shape Indian governance for centuries.

1. Cultural Syncretism:

• The Mughal Empire promoted cultural syncretism, blending Persian, Indian, and Central Asian influences to create a rich and diverse cultural heritage. This legacy of cultural exchange and integration remains an enduring aspect of Indian identity.

In summary, the Mughal administration was characterized by its centralized authority, elaborate bureaucratic structure, revenue system, military organization, and cultural patronage. Despite its eventual decline, the Mughal Empire’s administrative legacy left a profound impact on Indian history and governance.