Previous Year Question
With reference to Mansabdari system, which of the statements is/are correct?
Mansabdari system was the official nobility of the state, started by Akbar.
A Mansabdari was hereditary.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
1 only
Both 1 and 2
2 only
Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
Akbar developed the Mansabdari system to organise the military and civil services of the Mughal Empire. Mansabdars constituted an important part of the officers and nobility of the Mughal state, and their position was determined by the Mansab granted by the emperor.
Mansab meant a position, rank or status. In Mughal administration, a Mansab determined the official status of an individual. Mansabdars could be given both military and civil responsibilities and could be transferred from one department to another as required.
Akbar gave this system an organised form. There were different grades of Mansabdars, and officers holding higher Mansabs occupied an important position within the Mughal nobility. Therefore, Statement 1 is correct.
Statement 2 is incorrect because Mansabdari was not hereditary. After the death of a Mansabdar, his Mansab did not automatically pass to his son. Granting a new Mansab remained within the authority of the emperor.
Similarly, the Jagir assigned to a Mansabdar in lieu of salary was not his private hereditary property. A Jagir was a means of receiving salary from land revenue and could be transferred.