Later Mughals v1.c6.s8.3

v1.c6.s8.3

The early Muhammadan kings had made little or no impression on the country held by the Rajputs, and for the most part they were left to themselves. But Babar in 1527 inflicted a crushing defeat at Fathpur Sikri on Rana Sanga Sisodia of Mewar. Akbar carried still farther the process of conquest, obtained wives from some of the houses, and took many of the chiefs into his military service. Still the country was only indirectly governed by the Muhammadans; and although in the *Ain-i-Akbari*, that great record of Akbar's administration, the whole of it is included in some province or other of the Empire, and its Rajahs are always spoken of under the colourless name of 'zamindars', the Mughals held it by little more than a military occupation. No doubt, the Mughal Emperors claimed the right of confirming succession to a Raj, exacted homage and offerings on such occasions, formally conferring at the same time the title of Rajah and a rank or *mansab* in their army, with insignia of various sorts. Such investiture was according to eastern habit preceded by gifts (*peshkash*) to the suzerain. But the only tribute exacted seems to have been service in the Mughal armies, and the only hold on the country the garrisons in certain towns or fortified places. The centre of the Muhammadan authority was Ajmer, around which they possessed some of the lands. Here the *subahdar* or governor of the province of Ajmer lived; while *faujdars* (military magistrates) and *qiladars* or fort commandants were posted at important places, such as Bairath, Sambhar, and Biana and in forts such as Ranthambhor and elsewhere. In the *subah* of Ajmer were included all the Rajput States (those of the Bundela clan excepted).