Correct Option
The correct option is (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Explanation
The Mansabdari system was the steel frame of the Mughal administration, introduced by Akbar. It was a grading system used to fix the rank, salary, and military responsibilities of officers. The payment of salaries was organized through revenue assignments known as jagirs or cash payments (naqdi).
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: Mansabdars received their salaries as revenue assignments called jagirs. While some were paid in cash (Naqdi), the assignment of jagirs was the predominant method for higher ranks, allowing officers to collect revenue equivalent to their salary.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Jagirs were structurally similar to the iqtas of the Delhi Sultanate. Both systems involved assigning the right to collect revenue from a specific piece of land in lieu of a cash salary.
- Statement 3 is Correct: There was a crucial administrative difference between the two systems. Unlike the muqtis (iqtadars) of the Delhi Sultanate, who often resided in and administered their territories to maintain law and order, most Mughal mansabdars did not actually reside in or administer their jagirs. They were frequently posted in different parts of the empire to prevent the development of local power bases.
- Statement 4 is Correct: Since mansabdars served elsewhere, they only held rights to the revenue of their assignments. This revenue was collected for them by their servants (agents/gumashtas), while the mansabdars themselves discharged their military or civil duties in other regions.
Key Takeaway:
The fundamental difference between the Iqta system and the Jagirdari system lies in the link between revenue collection and administration; Mughal Jagirdars held revenue rights without local administrative responsibilities or residence, unlike the Sultanate Muqtis.