Did the Mir Bakshi actually lead troops in battle?

Yes, while primarily an administrator, the Mir Bakshi often personally led imperial armies during major military campaigns.

Mughal Bureaucracy

UPSC Archival Analysis

Q: The head of the military department under the recognized central machinery of administration during Akbar's reign was:

The Mir Bakshi was the head of the military department in Akbar's administration. He was responsible for supervising the army, managing the Mansabdari rankings, and acting as the imperial paymaster.

Exam Year

1997

Evidence Source

Link

ID: MED_MUG_1997_35 Ref: Irfan Habib, The Agrarian System of Mughal India