Q. How did the introduction of the Mansabdari system fundamentally change the Mughal governance compared to the Sultanate's Iqta system?

1. It made all military and civil positions hereditary, ensuring noble loyalty.
2. It separated the rank (Zat) from the military obligation (Sawar), allowing for a professionalized bureaucracy.
3. It centralized power by making the Mansabdars directly dependent on the Emperor for their salaries or land assignments (Jagirs).

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: 2 and 3 only
Notes: The Mansabdari system separated military rank from actual military obligation, thereby professionalizing the bureaucracy. It centralized authority by linking Mansabdars directly to the Emperor through salary or jagir assignments, preventing hereditary fiefdoms. Unlike the Iqta, the Mansabdari positions were not hereditary; properties reverted to the state upon a Mansabdar's death.