Muntakhab al-tawarikh 19.3

19.3

All the country, with the exception of that which was under the khalisa (exchequer), was held in jagir by the amirs. But from the prevalence of indulgence and debauchery, extravagance in household expenditure, and accumulation of riches, there was no means of maintaining the soldiery or of fostering the peasants. When the services of the amirs were required, they came into the field attended only by a few slaves, or some young Mughal soldiers. Able soldiers were nowhere to be found. Shahbaz Khan, the mir-bakhshi, revived the regulations of the dagh (branding), and the mahalli, which were instituted by Sultan 'Alau-d din Khilji, and were afterwards maintained by Sher Shah. It was also settled that every amir should be first appointed commander of a score (bístí). * * * When he brought up the horses of those twenty horsemen for the dágh according to the regulation, he might be promoted to be a sadí (commander of a hundred) or higher. They were also to keep elephants, horses, and camels suitable to their rank. When they brought this number of horsemen for inspection, they were to be treated according to their deserts and position, and might attain to a mansab of 1000, 2000 or of 5000, than which there is none higher. If they did not do so, they fell from their rank.