D. The Mir Bakshi in the Mughal Empire was the head of the military department and acted as the chief paymaster. He also held the responsibility of supervising land revenue officials to ensure the financial stability of military assignments.

UPPCS Pre 2004

Mughal Administrative Integration

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Duty of Mir Bakshi:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept While the Mir Bakshi was the head of the military, the Mughal system was so integrated that military and civil duties often overlapped. The ranking system (Mansabdari) required military heads to oversee administrative productivity.

Explanation The Mir Bakshi was not just a general; he was an imperial minister responsible for the recruitment and payroll of Mansabdars. As part of his broader administrative reach, he was also tasked with the supervision of land revenue officials to ensure the army's financial backing (Jagirs) remained stable.

Logical Breakup

Logic 1: The Diwan looked after the actual charging of tax and accounts (Option A, B). The Qazi handled justice (Option C).

Logic 2: The Mir Bakshi ensured that the revenue-producing lands assigned to military officers were properly managed by local officials, creating a link between land and military readiness.

Active Recall

Question

Was the Mir Bakshi the Paymaster of the whole army?

Answer

Yes, he was the chief paymaster, but he primarily managed the payments and land assignments of the higher-ranking Mansabdars.

Core Insight

The Mir Bakshi's role shows that the Mughal Empire was a 'Paper Government' where military leaders had to be expert administrators and auditors.

Duty of Mir Bakshi:

Solution & Analysis

Active Recall

Core Insight

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