With reference to the 'Mansabdari system' introduced by the Mughals, consider the following statements: 1. It was a system used exclusively to determine the religious status of the nobles. 2. The rank and salary were determined by a numerical value called 'Zat'. 3. The higher the Zat, the more prestigious was the noble’s position in court. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation The Mansabdari system was a unique administrative and military grading system introduced by Emperor Akbar in 1571. It was the framework of the Mughal service nobility, classifying all civil and military officers into a single hierarchy of service. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Mansabdari system was not used to determine religious status. It was a grading system used to fix the rank, salary, and military responsibilities of government officials (nobles). The term 'Mansab' denotes a position or rank, and it applied to both civil and military administration without religious distinction. - Statement 2 is Correct. The rank and salary of a Mansabdar were determined by a numerical value known as 'Zat'. The 'Zat' rank indicated the personal status of the noble in the imperial hierarchy and fixed their personal pay. - Statement 3 is Correct. The 'Zat' rank determined the precedence of the noble in the court. A higher numerical value of 'Zat' signified a more prestigious position in the administrative hierarchy and a higher salary. Key Takeaway: The Mansabdari system utilized a dual-ranking mechanism: 'Zat' determined personal rank and salary, while 'Sawar' determined the number of cavalrymen (horses and horsemen) the noble was required to maintain for the state.

NCERT Class 7 History — Chapter 4: The Mughals (16th to 17th Century)

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With reference to the 'Mansabdari system' introduced by the Mughals, consider the following statements:

It was a system used exclusively to determine the religious status of the nobles.
The rank and salary were determined by a numerical value called 'Zat'.
The higher the Zat, the more prestigious was the noble’s position in court.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

The Mansabdari system was a unique administrative and military grading system introduced by Emperor Akbar in 1571. It was the framework of the Mughal service nobility, classifying all civil and military officers into a single hierarchy of service.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Mansabdari system was not used to determine religious status. It was a grading system used to fix the rank, salary, and military responsibilities of government officials (nobles). The term 'Mansab' denotes a position or rank, and it applied to both civil and military administration without religious distinction.
Statement 2 is Correct. The rank and salary of a Mansabdar were determined by a numerical value known as 'Zat'. The 'Zat' rank indicated the personal status of the noble in the imperial hierarchy and fixed their personal pay.
Statement 3 is Correct. The 'Zat' rank determined the precedence of the noble in the court. A higher numerical value of 'Zat' signified a more prestigious position in the administrative hierarchy and a higher salary.

Key Takeaway:
The Mansabdari system utilized a dual-ranking mechanism: 'Zat' determined personal rank and salary, while 'Sawar' determined the number of cavalrymen (horses and horsemen) the noble was required to maintain for the state.

Your note

More from Chapter 4: The Mughals (16th to 17th Century)

With reference to the lineage of the Mughals, consider the following statements: 1. From their mother’s side, they were descendants of the Mongol ruler Genghis Khan. 2. From their father’s side, they were the successors of the Uzbeg ruler Shaibani Khan. 3. The Mughals took pride in their Timurid ancestry rather than their Mongol descent. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the Mughal traditions of succession: 1. The Mughals strictly followed the rule of primogeniture, where the eldest son inherited the father's estate. 2. They adopted the Timurid custom of coparcenary inheritance. 3. The inheritance was divided amongst all the sons. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the military technology used in the sixteenth century, consider the following statements: 1. Cannons were an important addition to warfare during this period. 2. Babur relied solely on archers and did not use gunpowder technology in the first battle of Panipat. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the early career of the first Mughal emperor, Babur: 1. He succeeded to the throne of Ferghana in 1494 when he was only 12 years old. 2. He was forced to leave his ancestral throne due to the invasion of the Uzbegs. 3. He seized Kabul in 1504 before capturing Delhi in 1526. 4. He defeated Ibrahim Lodi at Panipat to establish control over Agra and Delhi. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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Consider the following statements regarding Mughal relations with other rulers: 1. The Mughals campaigned constantly against rulers who refused to accept their authority. 2. Once a ruler was defeated, the Mughals usually humiliated them to ensure future loyalty. 3. The Rajputs were the only group that consistently refused to join the Mughal service. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Mansabdari system was not used to determine religious status. It was a grading system used to fix the rank, salary, and military responsibilities of government officials (nobles). The term 'Mansab' denotes a position or rank, and it applied to both civil and military administration without religious distinction.
Statement 2 is Correct. The rank and salary of a Mansabdar were determined by a numerical value known as 'Zat'. The 'Zat' rank indicated the personal status of the noble in the imperial hierarchy and fixed their personal pay.
Statement 3 is Correct. The 'Zat' rank determined the precedence of the noble in the court. A higher numerical value of 'Zat' signified a more prestigious position in the administrative hierarchy and a higher salary.