What was the role of "Bakshi" under Mughal Central Administration?

The correct answer is He was responsible for keeping strict watch over proper maintenance of the sanctioned size of armed contingents and war equipage by the mansabdars..

Key Points

• The Bakshi was a high-ranking official in the Mughal military administration.
• His primary role was to ensure that the mansabdars maintained their assigned military contingents and war equipment according to their rank.
• He monitored the muster rolls and inspected the troops to verify the actual number of soldiers and equipment.
• The Bakshi also played a crucial role in organizing the logistics for military campaigns, including the supply of provisions and weapons.
• He reported directly to the emperor and was a key figure in maintaining the efficiency and readiness of the Mughal army.

Additional Information

• Mansabdari System:
  • Introduced by Akbar, the Mansabdari system was a bureaucratic structure for managing the nobility and the military.
  • Mansabdars were ranked officials who were assigned a specific number of troops and responsibilities.
  • Ranks ranged from 10 to 10,000, and higher ranks were associated with greater responsibilities and privileges.
  • Mansabdars were paid through revenue assignments called jagirs.
• Diwan-i-Wazarat:
  • The Diwan-i-Wazarat was responsible for revenue and finances in the Mughal administration.
  • This department supervised the collection of taxes and managed the imperial treasury.
  • The head of the Diwan-i-Wazarat was known as the Wazir or the Diwan.
• Mir Bakshi:
  • The Mir Bakshi was another key official in the Mughal military administration.
  • He was responsible for the administration of the military payroll and the assignment of jagirs to the mansabdars.
  • The Mir Bakshi also managed the recruitment and training of soldiers.
• Imperial Military Structure:
  • The Mughal military was a well-organized force with a hierarchical structure.
  • It included various regiments such as infantry, cavalry, artillery, and elephant corps.
  • The military hierarchy ensured efficient command and control during campaigns.