Question

What was the extent of Akbar’s kingdom? How was administration carried out during Akbar’s time? Explain with reference to the Central and Provincial administration.

Answer 1

Akbar’s empire extended from Bengal in the east to Afganistan in the west and from the Himalayas in the north to the Godavari river in the south. His vast empire was divided into fifteen provinces. They were Kabul, Lahore, Multan, Delhi, Agra, Allahabad, Oudh, Gujarat, Ajmer, Malwa, Bihar, Bengal, Khandesh, Berar, Ahmednagar. The Akbar administration was divided into Central and Provincial administration.

Central Administration The emperor was assisted by a team of ministers and officials for the proper administration of the empire. Their names and functions are as follows:

1. Wazir Dewan: He was the head of the revenue department.
2. Mir Bakshi: He was the head of the military department and the paymaster of all mansabdars.
3. The Qazi: He was the chief judge.
4. Chief Sadr: He was the supervisor of the royal household.
5. Vakil: He was the head of the advisory board.

Provinical Administration: Akbar’s empire was divided into fifteen provinces or Subas, which-were further subdivided into Sarkars, and these in turn into Parganas. Each Pargana comprised a number of villages. Each province was under the charge of a subedar, who had full civil and military powers. The Subehdar was assisted by a number of officials like provincial Diwan, Bakshi, Qazi, kotwal and a number of other officials.