With reference to medieval India, which one of the following is the correct sequence in ascending order in terms of size? (UPSC Prelims 2021)

Question

The correct answer is [A] Paragana-Sarkar-Suba. This question tests your understanding of the administrative hierarchy established during the Mughal Empire, particularly under Akbar\'s reign.

Paragana (Smallest Unit): A Paragana was a cluster of villages. It served as the basic administrative unit for land revenue collection and local administration. Key officials included the Amil (revenue collector) and the Qanungo (keeper of land records).
Sarkar (Middle Unit): Several Paraganas were grouped together to form a Sarkar, which is roughly equivalent to a modern-day district. Key officials at this level included the Faujdar (administrative and military head) and the Amalguzar (revenue collector).
Suba (Largest Unit): Several Sarkars formed a Suba, which corresponds to a province. The head of the Suba was the Subadar (Governor), who exercised both executive and military powers. Akbar initially divided his empire into 12 Subas, which later increased to 15.

Historically, this centralized administrative structure allowed the Mughal emperors to maintain effective control over a vast territory. The hierarchy ensured a systematic flow of revenue from the village level up to the imperial treasury and facilitated the maintenance of law and order.

GKToday Admin · Accepted Answer

Paragana-Sarkar-Suba The correct answer is [A] Paragana-Sarkar-Suba. This question tests your understanding of the administrative hierarchy established during the Mughal Empire, particularly under Akbar\'s reign.

Paragana (Smallest Unit): A Paragana was a cluster of villages. It served as the basic administrative unit for land revenue collection and local administration. Key officials included the Amil (revenue collector) and the Qanungo (keeper of land records).
Sarkar (Middle Unit): Several Paraganas were grouped together to form a Sarkar, which is roughly equivalent to a modern-day district. Key officials at this level included the Faujdar (administrative and military head) and the Amalguzar (revenue collector).
Suba (Largest Unit): Several Sarkars formed a Suba, which corresponds to a province. The head of the Suba was the Subadar (Governor), who exercised both executive and military powers. Akbar initially divided his empire into 12 Subas, which later increased to 15.

Historically, this centralized administrative structure allowed the Mughal emperors to maintain effective control over a vast territory. The hierarchy ensured a systematic flow of revenue from the village level up to the imperial treasury and facilitated the maintenance of law and order.

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