Explanation: In the context of the Mughal Empire, the term "Mansabdars" refers to the high-ranking officials who served in the Mughal administration. The Mughal Empire, which ruled much of the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to the 19th century, had a sophisticated administrative system that included a hierarchical structure of officials known as Mansabdars.
The term "Mansabdar" comes from the Persian word "Mansab," which means rank or position. Mansabdars were appointed by the Mughal emperor and were responsible for both military and administrative duties. They were required to maintain a certain number of soldiers and horses, as specified by their rank, which was known as a "mansab." The number of soldiers and horses a Mansabdar was required to maintain was called the "zat" and "sawar" respectively.
The Mughal Empire was divided into provinces called "subahs," and each subah was governed by a Mansabdar known as a "subahdar." The subahdar was responsible for the administration of the province, including the collection of revenue, maintenance of law and order, and the command of the provincial army. Other Mansabdars held various positions within the Mughal administration, such as the "diwan," who was responsible for revenue collection, and the "faujdar," who was responsible for maintaining law and order in a district.
The Mansabdar system was a crucial part of the Mughal administrative structure, as it provided a clear hierarchy of officials and ensured that the emperor had a loyal and well-organized administrative and military force. The system also allowed the emperor to control the provinces and maintain a centralized administration.
It is important to note that the terms "Sultan," "Governor General," and "Viceroy" are not relevant to the Mughal administrative system. "Sultan" refers to the ruler of a Muslim state, "Governor General" is a term used in British India, and "Viceroy" is a term used in the context of British rule in India. These terms do not apply to the officials who served in the Mughal administration.
In summary, the people who joined the Mughal services and held positions of authority in the Mughal administration were known as Mansabdars. This term is specific to the Mughal Empire and reflects the hierarchical structure of officials who were responsible for both military and administrative duties.