Question

What was the main characteristic of the Mansabdari system?
A. It was the base of civil and military administration.
B. It was a system to give honour to reputed people.
C. It was the system for making the military personnel.
D. This system was similar to the Europeans system of Barons.

Answer 1

Hint: The Mansabdari system was introduced by Mughal ruler, Akbar during 1571. The word Mansab is an Arabic word meaning position or rank. This system was initially originated by Babur and Humanyun but it was reformed by Akbar.

Complete answer:
Mansabdari was a system of ranking government officials and determining their civil and military duties along with their remunerations. The Mansabdars were a group of elite people including bureaucrats, nobles and military officials. They were appointed by the ruler itself. It is said, mostly the recruitments were made on the recommendation of Mir Bakshi. Mansabs were divided into ranks, with 10 the lowest and 5000 the highest for nobles. These ranks were further divided into, Zat and Sawar. Zat means a personal rank and Sawar means a cavalry rank. However, it is completely different from the European system of Barons. Under the European system of Barons, the lowest class were given a portion of land on the condition of their service and slaver. This system is also known as the Feudal Baron system. Akbar does not have any oppressive system like this, rather he introduced many policies for the overall development of the region.

Hence the correct answer will be option-A.

Note: Mansabs receive their income as revenue assignments, called jagirs. Their jagirs were collected by their servants while mansabs themselves were serving in other parts of the country.