[Solved] Do-aspa and Sih-aspa: Jahangir's Military Reform

Who introduced 'Do-aspa and Sih-aspa' system?

[46th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2004]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

As the Mughal Empire expanded, the state needed a way to increase its military manpower without necessarily promoting nobles to higher, more expensive social ranks. Jahangir solved this through a technical modification of the Mansabdari system.

Authentic Source Evidence

Jahangir introduced the Do-aspa (two horses) and Sih-aspa (three horses) system in 1611. This allowed a Mansabdar to maintain double or triple the number of horses/troopers required by his original Sawar rank, while his Zat (personal rank) remained the same.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: It was a cost-effective way to boost the army's cavalry strength by utilizing the existing noble hierarchy.

Logic 2: For example, a noble with a rank of 3000 Zat could be ordered to maintain 6000 cavalrymen under this rule, significantly increasing the strike power of the imperial army.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Why did Jahangir not just increase the Zat rank?"

Increasing the Zat rank would have elevated the noble's social status and fixed salary permanently; Do-aspa allowed for more troops without that permanent commitment.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The Do-aspa Sih-aspa system shows that the Mughals were constantly 'hacking' their own administrative system to adapt to new military demands."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Zat and Sawar 5 Mansabdari 6

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