Explore Akbar's administrative reforms during the Mughal era, focusing on his innovative land revenue systems like zabti and dahsala.

The administrative system of Akbar (Mughal Empire, 1556–1605) represents one of the most efficient and structured models of governance in medieval India. His reforms in revenue systems, mansabdari structure, and provincial administration strengthened imperial authority and fostered agricultural growth. These policies are highly important for students preparing for UPSC, State PCS, and history exams as they illustrate the consolidation of Mughal power under Akbar.

Akbar’s Administrative System and Policies (1556–1605)

• Akbar created a balanced and efficient administrative structure combining central authority with local governance.

  His reign marked stability through well-structured revenue reforms, the Mansabdari system, and conciliatory policies with Rajputs.

  • (i) Efficient central and provincial administration strengthened imperial power.
  • (ii) Revenue reforms ensured steady state income and agrarian prosperity.
  • (iii) Military reorganization through Mansabdari maintained discipline and expansion.

• Central Administration under Akbar

  The Mughal central administration managed key aspects such as revenue, military, household, and religious affairs.

  • Key Central Officers

    • (i) Wazir (Diwan-i-ala): Head of revenue, managed Khalisa, Jagir, and Inam lands.
    • (ii) Mir Bakshi: Managed military affairs and supervised branding of horses.
    • (iii) Mir Saman: Oversaw household affairs and Karkhanas (factories).
    • (iv) Sadr-us-Sudur: Head of religious department, managed charity and religious laws.

• Provincial Administration of Akbar

  The empire was divided into 12 Subas, governed by Subedars, further divided into Sarkars and Parganas.

  • Provincial Structure

    • (i) Suba: Subedar maintained law, order, and governance.
    • (ii) Sarkar: Managed by a Faujdar for law and revenue collection.
    • (iii) Amil: Revenue collector, monitored cultivation and taxes.
    • (iv) Shiqdar: Assisted Amil in revenue and local governance.

• Revenue Systems and Land Classification

  Akbar’s revenue policies built on Sher Shah’s legacy, focusing on fairness, standardization, and agricultural growth.

  • Zabti and Dahsala Systems

    • (i) Zabt: Revenue assessed by crop yield and measurement.
    • (ii) Dahsala (1580): Average of ten years’ yield fixed state demand.
    • (iii) Land classification: Polaj, Parati, Chachar, Banjar with graded taxes.

  • Other Revenue Assessment Systems

    • (a) Batai/Ghalla-Baklishi: Produce divided between peasants and state.
    • (b) Tiasaq: Rough estimates based on previous dues.
    • (c) Flexible use of Batai in crop failure years.

• Mansabdari System under Akbar

  The Mansabdari system, institutionalized in 1571, combined civil and military administration.

  • Structure and Features

    • (i) Mansab: Denoted rank; included Zat (salary/personal rank) and Sawar (cavalry quota).
    • (ii) Ranks: From Amir of Amirs (highest) to Amir (lowest).
    • (iii) Non-hereditary; appointments through imperial approval and tajwiz.

  • Salary and Responsibility

    • (a) Paid through Jagir (land revenue) or Naqdi (cash).
    • (b) Provided cavalry for military campaigns at own expense.
    • (c) System peaked under Akbar (1,800 Mansabdars) but swelled under Aurangzeb (14,500).

  • Decline of Mansabdari

    • (i) Over-expansion under Aurangzeb strained Jagir resources.
    • (ii) Agrarian crisis weakened state finances.
    • (iii) Collapse of Mansabdari undermined Mughal stability.

• Akbar’s Rajput Policy

  Through matrimonial alliances and high appointments, Akbar integrated Rajputs into Mughal governance.

  • Conciliatory Measures

    • (i) Matrimonial alliances with Rajput princesses.
    • (ii) Rajputs appointed to senior civil and military posts.
    • (iii) Ensured cooperation and stability in empire.

• Agricultural Growth and Reforms

  Akbar promoted agricultural development through loans and protection of peasantry.

  • Agricultural Support

    • (i) Provided taccavi loans for farmers.
    • (ii) Secured fair land rights for cultivators.
    • (iii) Expanded Mughal agriculture through reforms.

• Summary of Akbar’s Administrative Reforms

  Akbar’s administrative system, combining centralized control, revenue reforms, and military organization, created a stable Mughal Empire during 1556–1605. His Mansabdari system, Dahsala revenue reforms, and Rajput conciliation policy were crucial in consolidating power. For students and exam preparation, Akbar’s governance provides essential insights into medieval Indian history and the foundations of Mughal prosperity.