Consider the following observations relating to the reign of the Mugha

Consider the following observations relating to the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar :

1. Akbar strengthened his control on the nobility and the army by introducing the mansabdari system.
2. Under the mansabdari system, every officer was assigned a rank (mansab).
3. The ranks were divided into three : zat, sawar and chehra.

Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

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1 only

2 only

1 and 2

1 and 3

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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Statement 1 is correct. Akbar introduced the mansabdari system to organize and streamline the administration, nobility, and military, thereby strengthening his control and central authority. Statement 2 is correct. Under the mansabdari system, every civil and military officer was assigned a *mansab* or rank. Statement 3 is incorrect. The mansabdari rank was primarily divided into two components: *zat* and *sawar*. *Zat* determined the officer’s personal rank and salary, while *sawar* indicated the number of cavalrymen (and horses) the officer was required to maintain. *Chehra* was a practice introduced by Akbar for branding horses to prevent deception and ensure the quality and number of horses maintained by mansabdars, not a third division of the mansab rank itself.

– The mansabdari system was a unique administrative and military system of the Mughal Empire introduced by Akbar.
– It assigned ranks (mansabs) that determined status, salary, and military obligations.
– The rank consisted of two numbers: Zat and Sawar.

The mansabdari system helped Akbar create a centralized administration and a strong army loyal to the emperor. The dual rank (zat and sawar) distinguished between personal status/salary and military responsibility.

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