In Mughal administration, who introduced the Mansabdari system for ranking nobles and fixing their military and civil responsibilities.

Introduction / Context:
The Mansabdari system was a central feature of Mughal administration. It provided a framework for ranking nobles, assigning military responsibilities, and regulating salaries. Knowing which emperor introduced this system helps understand both the growth of Mughal bureaucracy and the consolidation of imperial power. This question therefore tests awareness of administrative reforms under different Mughal rulers and highlights Akbar role in building a stable imperial structure.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The topic is the Mansabdari system. • The question asks who introduced this system. • Options list several early and middle period Mughal emperors. • We assume some familiarity with Mughal reform measures.

Concept / Approach:
The Mansabdari system involved assigning numerical ranks, called mansabs, to officials, which determined their position in the court, the number of cavalry they had to maintain, and the salary they received. This system is closely associated with Akbar, who introduced and refined it as part of his broader administrative reforms. Babur and Humayun were busy establishing and reestablishing Mughal rule, while Jahangir and Shah Jahan generally continued the framework Akbar had created. Therefore, the proper answer is Akbar.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Mansabdari system is one of the most important features of Akbar administration. Step 2: Understand that it classified officials by numerical ranks, such as zat and sawar, defining both status and military obligations. Step 3: Recognise that Babur and Humayun ruled before the system was formalised, while later rulers inherited it from Akbar. Step 4: Check each option and ask which emperor is most famous for administrative innovations. The clear answer is Akbar. Step 5: Conclude that Akbar introduced the Mansabdari system in the Mughal empire.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard Mughal history chapters identify this system as Akbar creation. The Ain i Akbari, a detailed record of his administration by Abul Fazal, carefully describes the Mansabdari structure, its grades, and its functioning. Later emperors like Jahangir and Shah Jahan continued to use it, but did not introduce it. Babur and Humayun did not yet have such a formalised ranking system. This consistent evidence confirms that Akbar is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Babur: As the founder of the Mughal empire, he spent most of his reign in warfare and consolidation and did not set up the full Mansabdari framework. Humayun: His reign was interrupted by defeat and exile, and he did not have the time or stability to introduce such an elaborate administrative system. Jahangir: He inherited the Mansabdari system from Akbar and maintained it with some minor modifications, but he was not the originator. Shah Jahan: Similarly, he continued to use the system but did not introduce it.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to think that the founder, Babur, must have introduced all major administrative systems. Another error is mixing up Akbar policy innovations with those of Aurangzeb, who appears in other questions about religious policies. To avoid confusion, students should remember that Akbar is associated with major structural reforms such as Mansabdari, land revenue settlements, and religious debates at the Ibadat Khana.

Final Answer:
The Mansabdari system in Mughal administration was introduced by Akbar.