With reference to medieval India, which one of the following is the co

With reference to medieval India, which one of the following is the correct ascending order in terms of size?

Paragana-Sarkar-Suba
Sarkar-Paragana-Suba
Suba-Sarkar-Paragana
Paragana-Suba-Sarkar
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UPSC IAS – 2021
The correct ascending order of administrative divisions in medieval India in terms of size is Paragana – Sarkar – Suba.
During the Mughal administration, the empire was divided into several provinces, known as Subas. Each Suba was headed by a Subedar. Subas were further divided into divisions called Sarkars. A Sarkar was administered by a Faujdar. Below the Sarkar were smaller units called Paraganas (or Mahals), consisting of a number of villages. A Paragana was overseen by officials like the Shiqdar, Amin, Qanungo, etc. The smallest unit of administration was the village. Thus, the hierarchy from smallest to largest was Village < Paragana < Sarkar < Suba < Empire. The ascending order of the given options is Paragana (smallest) < Sarkar < Suba (largest).
This administrative structure evolved over time, with roots in the administrative systems of the Delhi Sultanate. The Mughals, particularly Akbar, refined and standardized this system across their vast empire. Understanding these administrative divisions is crucial for studying the political and economic history of medieval India.
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