Mansabdari System
Mansabdars were Officers in Mughal administration.
The term mansabdar refers to an individual who holds a
mansab (Rank / Position).
The Mansabdars were appointed to all civil and military
posts. Distinction Over between Civil & Military.
Mansabdari System – Structure
Mansabdar came to be denoted by two numbers – Zat and Sawar.
1) Zat ( Sipahi ) 2) Sawar (HorseMen)
This indicated the Rank in the This represented the Cavalry Rank. It
administration as well as the salary of denotes the number of horses and
the Mansabdar. cavalrymen maintained by Sawar.
Example: A a mansabdar with 5000 Zat and 2000 Sawar.
Salary of Mansabdars: In cash and land
The Mansabdars were paid ( Salary + Maintainence)
according to their ranks.
Those Mansabdars, who were paid in cash, were called
Naqdi.
Those Mansabdars who were paid through land (Jagirs)
were called Jagirdars.
Note - It is to be remembered that it is not land that was
assigned but only the right to collect revenue from the
piece of land.
Not hereditary
The Mansab’s post or honour or dignity was not
hereditary and it lapsed after the death or
dismissal of the Mansabdar.
Mansabdar’s property returned to the state
after his demise.
Highly Centralised
Good Connection with King – Good Mansab.
No mansabdar could hold on to the said Jagir for a
long term as they were liable for transfer. ( Rotation)
Mansabdars were not supposed to accumulate their
salaries and wealth. After the death of a mansabdar,
all his jagirs and wealth was confiscated. As a result,
Mansabders used to spend lavishly.
Result – Army Created.