What was the administrative structure of the Mughal Empire?

The Mughal Empire was administratively structured into a centralised system with a monarch at the top, followed by various ranks of officials.

The Mughal Empire, which ruled most of present-day India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh from the 16th to the 19th centuries, had a complex and efficient administrative structure. At the top was the emperor, who was the supreme authority in both civil and military matters. The emperor was assisted by a council of ministers, known as the 'Majlis-i-Khass', which included the Vizier (Prime Minister), the Mir Bakshi (Paymaster General), and the Khan-i-Saman (Master of Ceremonies).

The empire was divided into provinces, known as 'Subahs', which were further divided into districts, or 'Sarkars'. Each Subah was governed by a Subahdar, who was responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and managing the province's administration. The Sarkars were managed by Faujdars, who were responsible for maintaining peace and order in their respective districts.

The Mughal administration was characterised by a system of checks and balances. The emperor had a network of spies, known as the 'Barid', who reported directly to him about the activities of his officials. This helped to keep the officials in check and prevent corruption.

The Mughal Empire also had a well-organised revenue system. Land revenue was the main source of income for the empire. The land was surveyed and classified according to its productivity, and taxes were levied accordingly. The revenue system was managed by the Diwan-i-Am, who was responsible for all financial matters.

The Mughal administration was also known for its justice system. The Qazi-ul-Quzat was the chief judicial officer, responsible for administering justice according to Islamic law. There were also local courts at the district and village levels to handle minor disputes.

In summary, the administrative structure of the Mughal Empire was a well-organised and efficient system that allowed the empire to rule over a vast territory for several centuries. It was characterised by a centralised system with a monarch at the top, a system of checks and balances, a well-organised revenue system, and a justice system based on Islamic law.