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Mughal Administration

August 25, 2025

The Mughal Empire was one of the most well-organized empires in Indian history. Its administration combined Persian traditions with Indian practices, ensuring strong central authority and efficient provincial governance. However, weaknesses eventually led to its decline.

The Emperor

  • The Emperor was the supreme authority, head of the state, army, judiciary, and religion.

  • Considered the representative of God on earth (Padshah).

  • Lived in luxury at the court, but also took interest in administration.

  • Titles like Jahangir (“World Seizer”) and Shahenshah (“King of Kings”) reflected their grandeur.

Central Government Officials

  • The Mughal central government was organized on the Persian model, with the following key ministers:

    • Wazir (Prime Minister/Chief Revenue Officer): Head of finance, responsible for revenue collection and accounts.

    • Mir Bakshi: Head of the military; maintained mansabdars (rank holders) and army records.

    • Sadr-us-Sudur: In charge of religious matters, charities, and appointments of qazis (judges).

    • Qazi-ul-Quzat (Chief Justice): Head of judiciary, interpreting Islamic law.

    • Diwan-i-Insha: Head of royal correspondence, drafted and managed official communications.

Provincial Government

  • The empire was divided into Subas (provinces), each governed by a Subedar (Governor).

  • Provinces were further divided into Sarkars, Parganas, and Villages.

Provincial Officials and Duties

  • Subedar (Governor): Maintained law, order, and revenue in the province.

  • Diwan: Handled revenue and finance at the provincial level.

  • Bakshi: Managed the military establishment in the province.

  • Sadr: Supervised religious matters and endowments.

  • Qazi: Dispensed justice.

  • Village officials: Patels, Chaudharis, and village headmen collected revenue and maintained order.

Duties of the Administration

  • Revenue System: Introduced by Todar Mal under Akbar; land was measured, classified, and revenue fixed accordingly.

  • Military System: Mansabdari system ensured that nobles maintained troops in proportion to their rank.

  • Judicial System: Based on Sharia (Islamic law), but Hindu law was applied to Hindus in personal matters.

  • Law and Order: Governors maintained peace and security in provinces.

  • Charity and Religion: Endowments were given to scholars, religious leaders, and institutions.

Decline of the Mughal Administration

  • Began after Aurangzeb’s death (1707).

  • Causes included:

    • Weak successors with little administrative ability.

    • Corruption and inefficiency among nobles and officials.

    • Heavy taxation due to continuous wars, burdening peasants.

    • Rise of powerful regional states (Marathas, Sikhs, Rajputs).

    • Invasions by Nadir Shah (1739) and Ahmad Shah Abdali (mid-18th century) weakened the empire.

    • The growing influence of the British East India Company ultimately ended Mughal authority.

Key Takeaway

  • The Mughal administration was a blend of Persian and Indian practices, with a powerful emperor, efficient ministers, and organized provinces.

  • The Mansabdari and revenue systems ensured stability during the empire’s peak.

  • However, corruption, wars, weak rulers, and foreign invasions led to the decline of the Mughal Empire, paving the way for British dominance in India.