Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
The head of the military department under the recognized central machinery of administration during Akbar's reign was:
Solution & Analysis
Answer: B
Concept
Akbar’s central government was divided into departments, each headed by a minister. The military department was unique because it also managed the rankings and salaries of all civil and military officers (Mansabdars).Explanation
The Mir Bakshi was the supreme head of the military department. His responsibilities included recruiting soldiers, supervising the branding of horses (Dag), maintaining the descriptive rolls of soldiers (Chehra), and acting as the chief paymaster and intelligence officer.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: The Diwan was the finance minister. Mir Saman looked after the royal household and factories.
Logic 2: Although 'Bakshi' refers to a paymaster at the provincial level, the Mir Bakshi was the 'Head' at the central imperial level, reporting directly to the Emperor.