What was the relation of “Manzil-abadi”, “Sipah-abadi” and “Mulk-abadi” during the Mughal period?

Correct option is D

Manzil-abadi, Mulk-abadi, and Sipah-abadi are sections of the celebrated Mughal-era document Ain-i-Akbari, authored by Abul Fazl, the court historian of Emperor Akbar. This document records the administrative setup of the Mughal Empire, reflecting Akbar’s centralized and well-organized governance.
· Manzil-Abadi: This book focuses on the royal household and court-related activities. It includes details about Akbar’s palace, his personal life, and the logistics of the royal household.
· Mulk-Abadi: Relates to the fiscal aspects of the empire, providing information on land revenue, agricultural practices, and the economic structure.
· Sipah-Abadi: This section discusses civil and military administration, detailing the organization of the army, provincial administration, and civil service.
These sections were integral to understanding the Mughal administrative system and the socio-economic framework of the period.
Information Booster:
1. Ain-i-Akbari:
· Written by Abul Fazl, it is part of the larger work, Akbarnama.
· Consists of five books, of which the first three deal with administration:
· Manzil-Abadi (Royal Household).
· Mulk-Abadi (Fiscal and Revenue Administration).
· Sipah-Abadi (Civil and Military Administration).
· The last two parts focus on cultural, religious, and literary traditions.
2. Significance of Each Section:
· Manzil-Abadi: Offers a glimpse into Akbar’s court and royal management.
· Mulk-Abadi: A critical source for understanding the Mughal land revenue system ( Todar Mal Bandobast).
· Sipah-Abadi: Highlights the efficient military and civil organization that sustained Mughal power.
3. Role of Abul Fazl:
· As Akbar’s court historian, Abul Fazl aimed to glorify Akbar’s rule and provide a comprehensive record of his administration.
· His writings are both descriptive and prescriptive, reflecting the ideals of governance.
Additional Knowledge:
1. Other Key Aspects of Ain-i-Akbari:
· Details about Akbar’s reforms in taxation, religious policies, and cultural integration.
· Includes a census-like account of the Mughal Empire's population and economy.
2. Context of the Mughal Administration:
· Akbar’s administration was marked by decentralization through a robust provincial system.
· Revenue collection relied on accurate land measurements and productivity-based taxation.
3. Contemporary Historical Works:
· Baburnama: Memoirs of Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire.
· Akbarnama: A three-volume history of Akbar’s reign, of which Ain-i-Akbari is the final volume.
· Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri: Memoirs of Akbar’s successor, Jahangir.