Kamal Khan Gakkhar
Explanation
During the Mughal era, particularly under Emperor Akbar, the administration sought to consolidate power by integrating influential local chieftains and tribal leaders into the imperial hierarchy. This was often achieved by granting them ranks (mansabs) within the administrative and military framework.
Detailed Analysis:
- Kamal Khan Gakkhar is Correct: The Gakkhars were a powerful and influential tribe in the Punjab region, particularly dominating the area between the Indus and Jhelum rivers. They gained prominence after the decline of the Khokhars. Their chief, Kamal Khan Gakkhar, was recognized by Emperor Akbar and was inducted into the Mughal nobility as a mansabdar. This is a classic example of the Mughal policy of assimilating tribal aristocracy into the state structure.
- Aman Das is Incorrect: Aman Das was the Gond Raja of Garha Katanga. He assumed the title of Sangram Shah. While the Gond kingdom was significant, Aman Das is primarily noted for consolidating the Gond state rather than being a tribal chief inducted as a mansabdar by Akbar in the same context as Kamal Khan.
- Sib Singh is Incorrect: Sib Singh was a ruler of the Ahom kingdom (Assam) who reigned in the early 18th century (1714–1744), long after Akbar's death. Under his reign, Hinduism became the predominant religion of the Ahom state.
- Bir Narain is Incorrect: Bir Narain was the son of Rani Durgawati of the Gond kingdom (Garha Katanga). He fought against the Mughal forces led by Asaf Khan on behalf of Akbar but was defeated; he was not made a mansabdar in the manner described for Kamal Khan.
Key Takeaway:
Kamal Khan Gakkhar, the chief of the Gakkhar tribe in Punjab, was the tribal leader explicitly recorded as being made a mansabdar by Emperor Akbar to ensure loyalty and stability in the north-western frontier.