Question

Describe the main features of central Mughal administration.

Hint:

When describing Mughal central administration, focus on the 'four pillars': the Diwan (finance), Mir Bakhshi (military), Mir Saman (household), and Sadr-us-Sudur (religious affairs). Explaining the role of each of these four key ministers provides a solid foundation for your answer.

Answer 1

The central administration of the Mughal Empire was highly organized and played a crucial role in governing one of the most powerful empires in medieval India. Under emperors like Akbar, the Mughal administration became a model of centralized governance, combining military control with a system of revenue, justice, and diplomacy. The main features of the central Mughal administration were as follows:

• Emperor (Padishah): The emperor was the supreme authority and central figure in the Mughal administration. The emperor held ultimate power over the empire’s military, politics, and administrative decisions. The emperor’s role was both secular and religious, as he was considered the protector of Islam and the upholder of justice and peace within the empire.
• Centralized Bureaucracy: The Mughal Empire had a centralized administration, where the emperor had direct control over the empire through appointed officials. The central government was organized into various departments, each headed by officials responsible for specific aspects of governance, such as revenue collection, military affairs, and judicial matters.
• Divisions of Power: Power in the central Mughal administration was divided into several key positions:
  • Prime Minister (Wazir): The Wazir or Prime Minister was responsible for overseeing the administration of the empire. The Wazir played a central role in managing the financial and military affairs of the empire and assisted the emperor in governance.
  • Diwan (Finance Minister): The Diwan was in charge of financial matters, including tax collection and state revenue. The Diwan was responsible for maintaining the empire’s finances, managing expenditures, and ensuring efficient revenue collection.
  • Mir Bakshi (Military Minister): The Mir Bakshi was responsible for managing the Mughal army and overseeing military affairs, including recruitment, promotion, and military strategies.
  • Qazi (Judicial Officer): The Qazi was in charge of the judicial system, ensuring that justice was administered according to Islamic law. The Qazi resolved disputes and upheld the emperor’s decrees.
  • Sadr (Minister for Religious Affairs): The Sadr was responsible for looking after religious affairs, including the appointment of religious scholars and overseeing the welfare of religious institutions like mosques and madrasas.
• Centralized Revenue System: The centralized revenue system was an essential feature of the Mughal administration. The Diwan-i-Khas (department of revenue) played a central role in collecting taxes and organizing the agricultural resources of the empire. The Zabt system and Kankut system were used for determining land revenue, with taxes collected from farmers and landowners. The revenue system was essential for the empire’s functioning and contributed significantly to the wealth and stability of the Mughal state.
• Provincial Administration: The Mughal Empire was divided into provinces called Subahs, each governed by a Subahdar or Nawab. While the central government held the ultimate authority, the Subahdars had significant control over local affairs and were responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and enforcing imperial policies in their provinces.
• Imperial Court and Ceremonies: The Mughal emperor maintained an elaborate imperial court with a large number of officials, courtiers, and nobles. The court was a symbol of the emperor’s power, and grand ceremonies were held to showcase imperial authority. These ceremonies often included court rituals, military parades, and festivals. The court was also an important center of patronage for artists, scholars, and poets.
• Role of Nobility: The Mughal empire was supported by a large nobility consisting of military leaders, landowners, and bureaucrats who were given positions of power by the emperor. These nobles, known as mansabdars, were appointed based on their loyalty and military skills. They had a key role in administering the empire, managing revenue, and serving in the military. The emperor’s relationship with the nobility was crucial for maintaining the empire’s strength.

Conclusion:

The central Mughal administration was a highly organized system of governance that allowed the emperors to maintain control over a vast empire. It was characterized by a centralized bureaucracy, a strong revenue system, and an emphasis on military and judicial control. The emperor, along with his key officials like the Wazir, Diwan, and Mir Bakshi, played central roles in governing the empire. The Mughal administration created a strong state structure that contributed to the prosperity and stability of the empire for several centuries.