UPSC CSE Prelims
Mughal Administration Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Showing solved Previous Year Questions for Chapter: Mughal Administration
Topic Breakdown: Scroll →
With reference to medieval India, which one of the following is the correct sequence in ascending order in terms of size?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — Paragana- Sarkar- Suba
The administrative divisions in medieval India, particularly during the Mughal period, were organized hierarchically with Pargana being the smallest unit comprising a group of villages, Sarkar as a mid-level division (district) formed by grouping several Parganas, and Suba as the largest provincial division encompassing multiple Sarkars. This ascending order of Pargana → Sarkar → Suba reflects the administrative structure from the grassroots village cluster level to the provincial level.
📝 Short Notes: Mughal Administrative Divisions
| Administrative Unit | Description | Equivalent Modern Term |
|---|---|---|
| Pargana | Smallest administrative unit consisting of a group of villages (typically 100-150 villages) | Sub-district/Tehsil |
| Sarkar | Mid-level division formed by grouping several Parganas | District |
| Suba | Largest provincial division headed by a Subedar (governor), encompassing multiple Sarkars | Province/State |
| Empire Level | Akbar divided his empire into 15 Subas (later expanded to 21 under Aurangzeb) | Central Administration |
- Revenue Administration: At the Pargana level, the key officials were Shiqdar (law and order), Amin (land revenue assessment), and Munsif (records and accounts).
- Provincial Governance: Each Suba was headed by a Subedar/Sipahsalar (governor) who was responsible for military and civil administration.
- Financial Control: The Diwan (finance minister) at the Suba level managed revenue collection and financial matters independently of the Subedar to ensure checks and balances.
With reference to Mughal India, what is/are the difference/differences between Jagirdar and Zamindar?
- Jagirdars were holders of land assignments in lieu of judicial and police duties, whereas Zamindars were holders of revenue rights without obligation to perform any duty other than revenue collection.
- Land assignments to Jagirdars were hereditary and revenue rights of Zamindars were not hereditary.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — Neither 1 nor 2
Both statements present incorrect characterizations of Jagirdars and Zamindars in Mughal India. Jagirdars were Mansabdars who received land assignments (Jagirs) as salary for military and administrative services—not judicial/police duties—and these assignments were typically non-hereditary. Zamindars, while primarily revenue collectors, also had military obligations and their rights were generally hereditary, contrary to what the statements claim.
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Jagirdars held land assignments in lieu of military/administrative services (not judicial/police duties), and Zamindars had obligations beyond revenue collection, including providing military service and maintaining law and order.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Jagir assignments were generally non-hereditary and Jagirdars were frequently transferred to prevent local entrenchment, whereas Zamindari rights were typically hereditary based on traditional social standing.
📝 Short Notes: Jagirdari and Zamindari Systems in Mughal India
| Feature | Jagirdar | Zamindar |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Mansabdars assigned land (Jagir) in lieu of cash salary | Hereditary landed intermediaries with revenue collection rights |
| Nature of Assignment | Non-hereditary, transferable | Hereditary, based on traditional rights |
| Primary Function | Military and administrative service to the state | Revenue collection and local administration |
| Obligations | Maintain troops, provide military service | Collect revenue, provide military contingents (sawars), maintain law and order |
| Transfer Policy | Frequently transferred to prevent local power consolidation | Remained in their ancestral territories |
| Relationship with Land | No ownership rights, only revenue collection rights | Intermediate proprietorship with customary rights |
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