The Introduction the ranks of ZAT and SAWAR in the system

During the later years of his reign, Akbar introduced the ranks of zat and sawar in the system. Different views have been expressed regarding these terms. According to Blochmann, every mansabdar had to maintain as many soldiers as were indicated by his rank of zat while the rank of sawar indicated the number of horsemen among them.

Also Read: - 

The Introduction the ranks of ZAT and SAWAR in the system.

Changes introduced by Jahangir and Shah Jahan in Masabdar System.

What are the Main Features of mansabdari system

The Mansabdar: A look back into the history: Short Note 

Irlos IV expressed the view that zat indicated the actual number of cavalry under a mansabdar besides other soldiers while sawar was an additional honour. According to I W Butlar, the rank of sawar was given to mansabdars to fix up their additional allowances. A mansabdar was paid rupees two per horse.

Therefore, if a mansabdar received the rank of 500 sawar he was given rupees one thousand additional allowance. Abdul Aziz is of the opinion that while the rank of zat fixed the number of other soldiers under a mansabdar, the rank of sawar fixed the number of his horsemen.

A K Mathur has opined that while the rank of zat indicated the total number of soldiers under a mansabdar, the rank of sawar indicated the number of horsemen under him.

During the reign of Akbar, the mansabdars were asked to keep as many horsemen as were indicated by numbers of their ranks of sawar. But, the practice was not be maintained by other Mughal emperors.

• (a )No. of Sawar = the No. of Zat. => 1st Class Mansabdar
• (b)No. of Sawar > 1/2 the No. of Zat => 2nd Class Mansabdar
• (c)No. of Sawar < 1/2 the No. of Zat => 3rd Class Mansabdar

Mansabdars were graded on the number of armed cavalrymen, or sowars, which each had to maintain for service in the imperial army.

Thus, all mansabdars had a zat, or personal ranking, and a sowar, or a troop ranking. All servants of the empire, whether in the civil or military departments, were graded in this system.

There were thirty-three grades of mansabdars ranging from 'commanders of 10' to 'commanders of 10,000'. Till the middle of Akbar's reign, the highest rank an ordinary officer could hold was that of a commander of 5,000.

The more exalted grades between commanders of 7,000 and 10,000 were reserved for the royal princes. During the period following Akbar's reign, the grades were increased up to 20,000 and 20-25 rupees per horse was paid to a mansabdar.

Additionally, there was no distinction between the civil and military departments. Both civil and military officers held mansabs and were liable to be transferred from one branch of the administration to another.

Each mansabdar was expected to maintain prescribed number of horses, elephants, and equipment, according to his rank and dignity. These rules, though initially strictly enforced, were later slackened. During Aurangzeb's reign the number of mansabdars was around 700 or more.