The Legacy of Muslim Rule in India c9.s1.2

c9.s1.2

The Mughal nobles were also known as Mansabdars. The *Mansabdars* were not only government officers, but also the richest class in the empire. They formed a closed aristocracy; entrance into this class was not usually possible for the common people, whatever their merits. Naturally, therefore, the most important factor which was taken into account when nobles were appointed was heredity. The *Khanazads*, the scions of royalty and sons and descendants of *Mansabdars*, had the best claim to such appointments.