Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Consider the following statements: Ahadis were those troopers who: 1. offered their services singly 2. did not attach themselves to any chief 3. had the emperor as their immediate colonel 4. attached themselves to Mirzas Which of these statements is/are correct?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: B
Concept
Besides the regular army provided by Mansabdars, the Mughal Emperor maintained a body of elite, personal household troops. These were independent soldiers who represented the direct power of the throne.Explanation
Ahadis were individual troopers who enlisted directly with the Emperor. They did not serve under any noble (chief) but had their own paymaster and separate administrative structure. Because they were high-status 'gentlemen soldiers,' they received much higher pay than ordinary cavalrymen and often performed special duties at court.Logical Breakup
Logic 1 (Statements 1, 2, 3): Correct. Ahadis were independent (singly), bypassed the usual noble hierarchy (no chief), and reported directly to the sovereign (the Emperor as their colonel).
Logic 2 (Statement 4): Incorrect. Attaching themselves to Mirzas (nobles) would have made them 'Dakhilis' or regular troops, which contradicts their elite and independent status.