The Mansab and Jagir systems were crucial elements of the Mughal administration, playing significant roles in the governance and military organization of the empire. These systems were designed to ensure loyalty among the nobility, facilitate revenue collection, and maintain a standing army.
1. Mansab System
a. Definition and Structure
- Mansab:
- The term Mansab refers to a rank or position in the Mughal administrative and military hierarchy. It was a system used to classify nobles, military officers, and civil servants based on their status, responsibilities, and the number of troops they were required to maintain.
- Each Mansab was denoted by a numerical rank, which determined the salary, privileges, and status of the individual. The ranks could range from Mansabdar (a person holding a Mansab) of 10 to 10,000, reflecting their military command and administrative responsibilities.
- Categories of Mansabdars:
- Zat: This represented the personal rank of the Mansabdar and was primarily concerned with their status and pay. The higher the zat, the more respect and resources the individual commanded.
- Sawar: This indicated the number of cavalry soldiers the Mansabdar was required to maintain. The more sawar a Mansabdar had, the larger their military contingent.
b. Functioning of the Mansab System
- Appointment and Promotion:
- Mansabdars were appointed by the emperor, and promotions were based on loyalty, service, and performance. The system allowed the emperor to control the nobility and prevent the rise of regional powers.
- Akbar significantly expanded the Mansab system, integrating various regional rulers and tribes into the Mughal administrative framework, which helped consolidate his power.
- Responsibilities:
- Mansabdars were responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting revenue, and leading military campaigns. They were expected to provide troops in times of war and were accountable for their conduct.
- The system also ensured that the administration remained loyal to the emperor, as Mansabdars were given a stake in the stability of the empire.
c. Key Personalities and Events
- Akbar (1556–1605):
- Akbar established and formalized the Mansab system, integrating diverse groups into the Mughal administration. His reforms emphasized merit over lineage, allowing talented individuals to rise through the ranks, regardless of their backgrounds.
- The Ain-i-Akbari, written by Abul Fazl, details the administrative structure, including the Mansab system, reflecting Akbar’s efforts to create a centralized and efficient administration.
- Aurangzeb (1658–1707):
- During Aurangzeb’s reign, the Mansab system faced challenges due to prolonged military campaigns in the Deccan and the rise of regional powers. The increasing demands on Mansabdars led to discontent and weakened central control.
- The expansion of the Mansab system was also marked by Aurangzeb’s religious policies, which strained relations with non-Muslim nobility, leading to fragmentation.
2. Jagir System
a. Definition and Purpose
- Jagir:
- The Jagir system was a land revenue assignment given to Mansabdars in lieu of a salary. Instead of receiving cash salaries, Mansabdars were granted rights over specific lands (jagirs) from which they collected revenue.
- This system incentivized Mansabdars to manage their assigned territories effectively and ensured that they had a vested interest in the local administration.
b. Structure and Administration
- Allocation of Jagirs:
- Jagirs were allocated based on the Mansabdar’s rank and responsibilities. Higher-ranking Mansabdars received larger and more lucrative jagirs, often located in fertile regions or strategic areas.
- The assignment of jagirs was also a way to balance power among various factions within the Mughal nobility and maintain loyalty to the emperor.
- Revenue Collection:
- Mansabdars were responsible for collecting revenue from their jagirs, maintaining local law and order, and ensuring the well-being of the peasantry. This responsibility fostered a sense of local governance.
- The revenue from jagirs was often subject to change, as the Mughal emperors could reassess and redistribute land based on performance and loyalty.
c. Challenges and Reforms
- Corruption and Mismanagement:
- Over time, the jagir system faced challenges, including corruption, inefficiency, and exploitation of peasants. Some Mansabdars extracted excessive revenue, leading to agrarian distress and revolts.
- The decline of the Mughal authority in the late 17th century exacerbated these issues, as local zamindars and nobility began to assert more control over their regions.
- Reforms by Aurangzeb:
- Aurangzeb attempted to reform the jagir system to address these issues, emphasizing accountability and revenue collection. However, his strict policies often led to resentment among the nobility and local rulers.
3. Impact on Mughal Administration
a. Centralization of Power
- The Mansab and Jagir systems facilitated the centralization of power in the Mughal Empire. By assigning ranks and territories to loyal nobles, the emperors could ensure a degree of control over vast and diverse regions.
b. Military Organization
- The systems contributed to the Mughal military organization by maintaining a large and loyal standing army. Mansabdars were responsible for equipping and training their troops, allowing the Mughal emperors to project power and respond to internal and external threats.
4. Conclusion
The Mansab and Jagir systems were integral to the Mughal administration, shaping the political, military, and economic landscape of the empire. They facilitated centralization, loyalty among the nobility, and effective governance. However, as the Mughal Empire faced challenges from internal dissent, regional powers, and European colonization, the effectiveness of these systems diminished. The legacy of the Mansab and Jagir systems continued to influence the socio-political structures of subsequent Indian kingdoms, reflecting the complexities of governance in the subcontinent.
