FREE IGNOU MHI-04 Solved QUESTION Paper DECEMBER 2022
Question 7: Discuss the central and provincial administration of the Mughals.
The Mughal Empire’s administration was marked by a complex hierarchy and elaborate administrative divisions, both at the central and provincial levels:
Central Administration:
- Emperor: The Mughal emperor was the ultimate authority, responsible for decision-making on major policies, diplomacy, and military affairs.
- Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Aam: These were the emperor’s courts for private and public audiences, respectively. The Diwan-i-Khas dealt with matters of state importance, while the Diwan-i-Aam was open to the public for addressing grievances.
- Mir Bakshi: This official was in charge of the military, including recruitment, promotions, and salaries of soldiers. The Mir Bakshi ensured discipline and loyalty within the army.
- Wazir: The chief minister or wazir managed the empire’s finances, including revenue collection and expenditure. The wazir also played a role in judicial matters.
Provincial Administration:
- Subah: The empire was divided into administrative provinces known as subahs, each under a governor or subahdar. These governors were responsible for revenue collection, law enforcement, and maintaining order.
- Diwan: The diwan was responsible for financial matters within a province, including revenue assessment, collection, and distribution.
- Faujdar: The faujdar was a military officer responsible for maintaining law and order within the subah. They also oversaw the administration of justice in military matters.
- Sadr: The sadr supervised religious endowments and charities, ensuring that religious institutions received their due share of the revenue.
The Mughal administrative structure aimed at centralization while accommodating local diversity. It facilitated effective governance across a vast empire by balancing power between the central authority and regional administrators.
