Q.8 How was the feudal system of medieval Rajasthan different from the Mansabdari system of the Mughal period? Explain with examples.
मध्यकालीन राजस्थान की सामंती व्यवस्था, मुग़लकालीन मनसबदारी व्यवस्था से किस प्रकार भिन्न थी ? उदाहरण सहित समझाइए।
Ans :
Difference Between the Feudal System of Medieval Rajasthan and the Mansabdari System of the Mughal Period
| Parameter | Feudal System of Medieval Rajasthan | Mansabdari System of the Mughal Period |
| Origin | Traditional and aristocracy-based (hereditary system) | Emerged due to administrative and military needs (introduced by Akbar in 1571) |
| Classification | Varied by region – e.g., four categories in Marwar (Rajvi, Sardar, Ganiyat, Mutsaddi) | Dual classification – Zat (personal rank) and Sawar (military rank) |
| Basis of Rank | Lineage prestige, birth, and tradition | Royal appointment, merit, and military capability |
| Autonomy | Feudatories acted independently; limited interference in administration | Mansabdars were accountable to the emperor and had limited independence |
| Revenue Rights | Feudatories had rights over both land and revenue | Mansabdars did not own land but had the right to collect revenue |
| Inheritance | Hereditary – Jagirs (estates) were transferred within the family | Non-hereditary – transfer of rank required the emperor’s approval |
| Examples | “Umrao” (three categories) in Mewar, “Kotri Jagirs” in Jaipur | Raja Man Singh (Rajput Mansabdar – 7000 Zat), Todar Mal (Economist) |
Key Differences
- Autonomy vs. Subordination – Feudatories in Rajasthan had greater autonomy, while Mansabdars were directly under the emperor’s control.
- Hereditary vs. Non-Hereditary – Feudal positions in Rajasthan were passed down through generations, while the Mansabdari rank required the emperor’s consent for transfer.
- Land Rights – Feudatories had rights over both land and revenue, while Mansabdars were only authorized to collect revenue.
In Summary:
The feudal system of Rajasthan was more traditional and hereditary, while the Mansabdari system of the Mughal period was centralized and based on royal control.
| Source : Old RBSE 9 Page 1 |
| Extra Info : Also read about – Type of Feudal System in various States. |