Explanation: The Mughal Empire, at its zenith, was a vast and complex administrative structure. However, as the empire began to decline in the late 17th and 18th centuries, its provincial administration underwent significant changes. The provinces of Awadh, Bengal, and Hyderabad, in particular, developed distinct features that set them apart from the central Mughal system.
One of the key features was the evolving relationship with bankers. In the Mughal era, bankers played a crucial role in the economy, especially in the provinces. They provided financial support to the provincial administration, financed trade, and acted as intermediaries in tax collection. This relationship was particularly strong in Awadh, Bengal, and Hyderabad, where bankers had significant influence and were often involved in the economic activities of the region.
Another important feature was the difference in tax collection methods. The central Mughal system had a standardized approach to tax collection, but the provinces like Awadh, Bengal, and Hyderabad adopted more localized and flexible methods. For example, in Bengal, the system of revenue farming (jagirdari) was prevalent, where local intermediaries collected taxes on behalf of the state. This system allowed for greater flexibility and adaptation to local conditions, but it also led to the concentration of power in the hands of these intermediaries.
The military strength of these provinces, while significant, was not a defining feature that distinguished them from the central Mughal system. The military organization and strength varied across different regions and were not uniformly stronger in all provinces compared to the central Mughal forces.
In summary, the common features of the Mughal provinces of Awadh, Bengal, and Hyderabad were their emerging relationships with bankers and the differences in tax collection methods compared to the central Mughal system. These features reflect the evolving nature of provincial administration and the increasing autonomy of these regions within the declining Mughal Empire.