π Topic 02 of 6 Β· Chapter 10 Β· Mughal Empire
Akbar β Administration & Policies
Mansabdari system, revenue reforms (Todar Mal), Din-i-Ilahi, Sulh-i-Kul, Navratnas, Fatehpur Sikri.
π Akbar (1556β1605) β Greatest Mughal Emperor
Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar is considered the greatest Mughal emperor. He expanded the empire to cover most of India and implemented revolutionary administrative and religious policies.
ποΈ Mansabdari System
- All imperial officials given numerical ranks (mansabs) β from 10 to 10,000
- Rank determined salary and military obligations (number of soldiers to maintain)
- Two components: Zat (personal rank/salary) and Sawar (cavalry rank)
- Mansabdars paid in cash or through jagirs (land revenue assignments)
- Eliminated hereditary nobility β all officials directly dependent on emperor
- Mansabdars could be promoted, demoted, or transferred
π° Revenue Reforms β Todar Mal’s Zabt System
- Todar Mal (Finance Minister) introduced the Zabt system
- Measured cultivated land; classified soil quality; fixed revenue rates
- Dahsala system: Average of 10 years’ revenue used to fix rates
- Revenue paid in cash (not kind) β promoted monetisation
- Fair and scientific β increased state revenue while being predictable for peasants
π Religious Policies
- Sulh-i-Kul (Peace with All) β universal religious tolerance
- Abolished Jizya (tax on non-Muslims) in 1564 CE
- Abolished pilgrimage tax on Hindus
- Married Rajput princess (Jodha Bai/Harka Bai) β matrimonial alliances
- Built Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) at Fatehpur Sikri β for religious debates
- Din-i-Ilahi β syncretic religion combining Islam, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity; ~18 followers; Birbal was only Hindu to join
π Navratnas (Nine Gems)
| Name | Field | Key Work |
|---|---|---|
| Abul Fazl | Historian | Akbarnama + Ain-i-Akbari |
| Faizi | Poet | Persian poetry; brother of Abul Fazl |
| Tansen | Musician | Greatest classical musician; ragas Miyan ki Todi, Miyan ki Malhar |
| Birbal | Wit and wisdom | Akbar’s favourite; only Hindu in Din-i-Ilahi |
| Todar Mal | Finance | Zabt revenue system; Dahsala |
| Man Singh | Military | Rajput general; Akbar’s trusted commander |
| Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khana | Poet | Translated Baburnama into Persian; Hindi dohas |
| Fakir Aziao-Din | Advisor | β |
| Mullah Do Piaza | Advisor | β |
β Fatehpur Sikri: Akbar built a new capital at Fatehpur Sikri (near Agra) in 1571 CE β a magnificent planned city. Key structures: Buland Darwaza (Gate of Magnificence β built to commemorate Gujarat victory, 1576 CE), Jama Masjid, Panch Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Aam, Tomb of Salim Chishti. Abandoned after 14 years due to water scarcity. UNESCO WHS.
π Exam Tip:
β’ Mansabdari = Zat (personal rank) + Sawar (cavalry rank)
β’ Zabt system = Todar Mal = land measurement + cash payment
β’ Akbar abolished Jizya = 1564 CE
β’ Din-i-Ilahi = ~18 followers; Birbal = only Hindu
β’ Buland Darwaza = Fatehpur Sikri = Gujarat victory (1576 CE)
β’ Mansabdari = Zat (personal rank) + Sawar (cavalry rank)
β’ Zabt system = Todar Mal = land measurement + cash payment
β’ Akbar abolished Jizya = 1564 CE
β’ Din-i-Ilahi = ~18 followers; Birbal = only Hindu
β’ Buland Darwaza = Fatehpur Sikri = Gujarat victory (1576 CE)