During the Mughal rule, what was the exact role of a Kotwal?

• During the Mughal administration, the Kotwal was the chief of city police and was primarily responsible for maintaining law and order within the urban centers.

• The Kotwal held a highly influential position, acting as the supreme authority in the city's municipal administration.

• According to NCERT History (Class 7 & 12), his duties included the prevention of crimes, the protection of citizens, and the regulation of city markets.

• He maintained a register of houses and people, effectively acting as a census officer for his jurisdiction.

• He was also responsible for checking weights and measures in the markets to prevent fraud and ensuring that no unauthorized people stayed in the city.

Information Booster:

• The office of the Kotwal was crucial in the Sarkar (district) and Pargana (sub-district) levels of the Mughal administrative hierarchy.

• The functions and powers of the Kotwal were detailed in the Ain-i-Akbari, written by Abul Fazl, which describes the official as a guardian of the peace and a regulator of the social life of the city.

• He also oversaw the disposal of unclaimed property and ensured that the "night watch" (Patrols) functioned correctly to secure the city during dark hours.

Additional Knowledge:Leading the army for war (Option A) * This was the responsibility of the Bakshi or Mir Bakshi at the central level, and the Faujdar at the district (Sarkar) level.

• The Faujdar was the military commander who assisted the local administration and suppressed rebellions.

Maintaining treasury (Option B) * The Khazanedar was the official treasurer responsible for the safekeeping of the state's funds.

• At the central level, the Diwan oversaw the overall financial health and the imperial treasury.

Collecting revenue (Option C) * Revenue collection was the primary duty of the Amil (also known as Amalguzar) in the districts.

• They worked under the guidance of the Diwan to ensure that land revenue (Zabt system) was calculated and collected according to the state's regulations.