UPPCS (Pre) 2018

Mughal Territorial Organization

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The term 'Chakla' referred to what?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept While the basic Mughal hierarchy was Subah-Sarkar-Paragnah, administrative needs under Emperors like Shah Jahan led to the creation of intermediate or alternative groupings to improve revenue collection and local governance.

Explanation A Chakla was a territorial subdivision introduced or popularized during the later Mughal period, particularly under Shah Jahan. It was larger than a Paragnah but often served as a grouping of several Paragnahs. It was headed by a Chakladaar who was responsible for maintaining law and order and ensuring revenue collection.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: It was not identical to a Sarkar, though sometimes the boundaries overlapped. The primary intent was a more focused revenue administrative unit.
Logic 2: It sat between the provincial (Subah) and the local village-cluster (Paragnah) levels to provide better oversight.

Active Recall

Question

Which Emperor is most associated with the use of the 'Chakla' unit?

Answer

Shah Jahan is credited with refining the 'Chakla' as an important administrative and revenue unit.

Core Insight

The 'Chakla' reflects the evolving nature of Mughal administration as it tried to become more granular in its revenue management.