Concept notes: In the Mughal administrative system, the empire was divided into provinces (subas), which were further divided into sarkars, and then into parganas. The pargana was the smallest unit of administration and was headed by an Amil, who was responsible for revenue collection and maintaining law and order.
Explanation: In the Mughal administrative system, the empire was divided into several levels of administrative units to ensure effective governance and revenue collection. The highest level was the suba (province), which was further divided into sarkars (districts), and each sarkar was subdivided into parganas (sub-districts). The pargana was the smallest unit of administration and was crucial for the direct interaction between the state and the peasantry.
The head of a pargana was the Amil, also known as the Amin or Amil-i-Pargana. The Amil was responsible for the collection of revenue from the peasants and the maintenance of law and order within the pargana. The Amil worked closely with other officials such as the Patwari (village accountant) and the Kotwal (police officer) to ensure that the revenue was collected efficiently and that the pargana was governed effectively.
The Amil was appointed by the higher authorities and was accountable to the Faujdar (military officer) and the Subedar (governor of the suba). The Amil's role was critical in the Mughal administrative hierarchy as they were the link between the central government and the local peasantry. They were responsible for ensuring that the revenue collected from the peasants was properly accounted for and sent to the higher authorities, and they also played a role in resolving disputes and maintaining peace within the pargana.
The other options provided in the question are incorrect because they refer to officials who had different roles in the Mughal administration. The Wazir was a high-ranking minister in the Mughal court, the Bakshi was responsible for the military establishment, and the Mufti was a religious scholar. None of these officials were directly involved in the administration of a pargana.
Understanding the role of the Amil and the structure of the Mughal administrative system is important for comprehending the governance and revenue collection mechanisms of the Mughal Empire. This knowledge is essential for students of Indian history and those preparing for competitive examinations that cover Indian history and governance.