Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Medieval India: Kings and Chronicles

Question:

Which of the following statements is incorrect in reference to Mansabs or Mansabdars of India in the sixteenth-seventeenth century?

Options:

All holders of government offices held ranks (mansabs) comprising two numerical designations.

Zat was an indicator of position in the imperial hierarchy and the salary of the official.

Sawar indicated the number of horsemen a mansabdar was required to maintain in service.

In the seventeenth century, mansabdars of 1,000 zat or above ranked as Ulemas.

Correct Answer:

In the seventeenth century, mansabdars of 1,000 zat or above ranked as Ulemas.

Explanation:

The imperial officials during the 16th-17th century:

All holders of government offices held ranks (mansabs) comprising two numerical designations: zat which was an indicator of position in the imperial hierarchy and the salary of the official (mansabdar), and sawar which indicated the number of horsemen he was required to maintain in service. In the seventeenth century, mansabdars of 1,000 zat or above ranked as nobles (umara, which is the plural of amir ). The nobles participated in military campaigns with their armies and also served as officers of the empire in the provinces.

The nobles participated in military campaigns with their armies and also served as officers of the empire in the provinces. Each military commander recruited, equipped and trained the main striking arm of the Mughal army, the cavalry. The troopers maintained superior horses branded on the flank by the imperial mark (dagh). The emperor personally reviewed changes in rank, titles and official postings for all except the lowest-ranked officers. Akbar, who designed the mansab system, also established spiritual relationships with a select band of his nobility by treating them as his disciples (murid).