(PYQ 2020 Mock Answer: Public administration) - Mughal Administration

Q. Mughal administration incorporated a combination of Indian and extra-Indian elements. Discuss 

Answer : 

After the success of Babur in the first battle of Panipat in 1526, the Mughal rule was established in India. The Mughal empire was one of the prosperous empires at the point of time and was very well known for the sound administration system. 

The Indian elements in Mughal administration are as follows:

1. Monarchial form of government: Kautilya in his work Arthashastra mentions that the Monarchial system is the preferable form of government. In the Mughal administration as well the administration is entered around the king. 
2. Federal form of Government: Given the size and diversity of India, all major empires like the Mauryans and Guptas preferred dividing the kingdom into many provinces for ease of administration. 
3. Tradition authority of the headmen at the village level. 
4. Land revenue/tax: Since, agriculture was the main occupation at that point of time, the Mughals like their preceding kingdoms relied heavily on the land revenues. 
5. Military nature of administration : The heads of the provinces and districts had civilian as well military roles
6. Spoils system in filling top level positions. 

Extra-Indian elements are as follows: 

1. Mansabdari system and jagirdari system had been influenced by the Iqtadari system, which in turn was not indigenous to India. 
2. The religious powers of the sultan, by the infallibility decree issued by Akbar, the king became the ultimate interpreter of Quran. No other previous king in India exercised such religious powers
3. Paper administration (Khagaj Raj) in india was introduced by the Mughals.

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