HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF MANSABDARI SYSTEM

Before throwing light on mansabdari system, first of all we should know what

is meant by system. According to Oxford dictionary, “a system is a set of detailed

methods, procedures, and routines created to carry out a specific activity, perform a

duty or solve a problem”. During ancient and medieval India different rulers have

adopted different systems such as judicial system, Iqta system, Jagirdari system, land

revenue system, drainage system etc. for the welfare of the people and also for

consolidating their own rule. But during the Mughal period, the great Mughal

emperor Akbar established a typical and matchless system that is the mansabdari

system.

In order to understand the mansabdari system well we must study it in its

historical perspective. As we all know that the Mughal empire was founded by Babur

[ ruled 1526-1530 A.D.], a central Asian ruler who was descended from Turko-

Mongol conqueror Timur [ the founder of the Timurid empire] on his father’s side and

from Chagatai, the second son of the Mughal ruler Changez khan on his mother’s

side. As a result of it each and every Mughal system had their roots deep connected

with the customs and practices of the Mongols of central Asia. Same was the case of

mansabdari system. It was also of central Asian origin and its roots also lies deep in

the customs and practices of the Changiz khan’s military administration. The Idea of a

military aristocracy which is the striking feature of the Indian Mansabdari is also

founded in the constitution of Changiz Khans army. Professor B. Ya Vladi-minstov in

his famous monograph “Life of Changiz Khan” says that Changiz Khan founded the

structure of his empire on a strictly aristocratic basis……… In the same manner as an

aristocratic family is the head of a tribe, so in the system of Changez khan, the golden

clan (Altan Uruk) with its chiefs and followers is the head of all the Mongol tribes, of
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all the generations, of all the world1. Changiz Khan considered himself the leader of

an aristocratic clan that had unified all the Mongol aristocracy but never realized

himself as a popular leader. His messages, speeches, orders, laws were directed to the

military chiefs and brave warriors but never to the common people. During his reign a

chieftain of a tribe renders the service of his men, becomes an officer in the army and

in case of victory shares the Spoils2. However, we did not possess much information

about this period but at the time of entry there must have been a parade march when

men, mounts and equipment’s were inspected and if found quite satisfactory admitted

into the army.

Sir H.H Howorth also provides quite sufficient information about the Mongol

army. In his renowned known work “History of the Mongols” he writes that the

Mongol army was composed of nomads who constantly led the lives of soldiers3.

They could settle anywhere where they could find pastures for their cattle and horses.

He further stated that Changiz Khan arranged systematically his military on a fraction

basis. The lowermost unit of charge being 10 and the uppermost unit of charge being
4
10,000 (tuman) whose commander was called Khan. No man could change his

section, company or regiment. Each and every was bound to obey the orders of their

leaders and these leaders in turn should follow the orders of their master. This strict

discipline under Changez khan and others made the Mongol army highly skilled and

relying on scope of operation or space and tactics, speed and strategies that came out

of it. If any commander did not possess the required qualities of leadership, Changiz

khan removed him and put another in his place of post. He also insisted his chief

commanders to come to him once a year to receive instructions and guidance. He

advised well them to guide their children in the art of warfare. Changez Khan says

that I gave the command of troops to those persons who possessed the qualities of

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courage, spirit, valour, chivalry, boldness, bravery, fearlessness, determination,

fortitude, and skill, to those are active, alert, sharp-eyed, vigilant I provide them the

task of to take care of the baggage and to those who are fool, stupid, lazy and dullard I

gave them a stick and make them to tend the cattle. These are hidden secrets of my

success and if my sons will follow me they will also achieve the same success. Before

war soldiers, horses and equipment’s were examined and if found quite satisfactory

admitted into the army.

This was the model on which the Mughal army was setup and here we have

the beginnings of what later came to known as the mansab.

Morland stated that it was Babur who brought mansabdari system to northern

India. But his statements caries no weight. Neither Babur had time to study or reform

the system of military organization as he spent most of his time in wars and subduing

the new country nor did we hear anything of it in memories. We also were familiar

that some of the features of mansabdari system was prevalent in the military

organization of Delhi sultanate in one or other form. As according to Badayuni the

branding system of horses i.e. dagh-u- mollah [Dagh] System was prevalent during

the reign of Ala-ud-din Khiliji 5 and afterward the law under Sher Shah Suri. Barani

also mentioned that the poets of Ala-ud-din Khiliji’s court were paid by Diwan-i-arz,

but this is the only evidence in favor of the maintenance of a common payroll for the

civilians and the military personal6. During this period we also hear of commanders of
7
hundred Yuz-bashi (sadis) and one thousand (hazara)8. Some nobles were called

commanders of a tuman (10,000), but this was utilized to denote the highest rank

rather than the actual number of troops commanded which in practice could be early

are tenth of it9. Under the Lodhis and Surs we also hear of the nobles who held ranks

of 20,000 or 10,000 or 5000 suwars. These all above references clearly indicated that

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some of the traits of mansabdari system was prevalent in India before the advent of

Babur. The question here arises how did the Mongol military organization effected

the military organization of Delhi Sultanate. The true explanation is that the flow of

Mongol penetration or incursions into western India which lasted from (1221-1337

A.D) and the slow infiltration consequently familiarized the people with the Mongol

principles of recruitment and organization and led to their gradual assimilation and

final adoption. No doubt it received official recognition as early as the reign of Ala-

ud-din Khiliji.

Thus we can say that the mansabdari system was prevalent in India in one

form or another form before the arrival of the Mughals, however, the real credit goes

to Akbar who gave it an institutional shape & framework and hence came to be called

the main architect of the mansabadari system. The mansabdari system as developed

by Akbar plays a critical role in the consolidation and disintegration of Mughal rule. It

was due to this system Akbar was able to expand his empire and maintain his hold

over it without facing much difficulty.

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References

1
Aziz, Abdul, “The Mansabdari System And The Mughal Army”, Idarah-i-Adabiyat,
Delhi, 2009, p.14,15
2
Ibid., p.15
3
Ibid.
4
Chandra, Satish, “Medieval India From Sultanate To The Mughals- Part Two [1526-
1748]”, Har-Anand Publications, New Delhi, 2004, p.157
5
Abul Qadir Badaoni, “Muntakabu-T-Tawarikh”, Tr.Eng .By, Lowe, W.H, Vol.11,
Academica Asiastica, Patana, 1973, p.193
6
Qureshi, I.H, “The Administration Of The Mughal Empire”, Janki Prakashan, Patna,
1979, p.89.
7
Abul Qadir Badaoni, “Muntakabu- T –Tawarikh”, Tr.Eng. By, Ranking, George
S.A, Vol.1, saeed International, New Delhi, 1990, p.313
8
Chandra, Satish, “Medieval India From Sultanate To The Mughals- Part Two [1526-
1748]”, Har-Anand Publications, New Delhi, 2004, p.157
9
Chandra, Satish, “History Of Medieval India”, Orient Blackswan, New Delhi, 2016,
p.237.

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