During the Mughal period, the highest military and civil rank a nobleman could hold within the imperial hierarchy was determined by which two numerical indicators?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Mansabdari system instituted by Emperor Akbar established the administrative hierarchy of the Mughal Empire through two numerical indicators known as Zat and Sawar. The Zat rating determined the personal rank and salary of the noble, while the Sawar indicator specified the exact number of horsemen and cavalry troopers the noble was required to maintain. This dual grading structure streamlined both civil administration and military responsibilities.