History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v3.c37.s8.1

v3.c37.s8.1

Wazir or Prime Minister seems to have been an honorific title, without necessarily implying the charge of any particular branch of the administration. He was, no doubt, always chief of the revenue department, but it was in his capacity of *Diwan*. All diwans, however, were not wazirs, and we read of no Hindu diwan being given this high title. At several periods the premiership remained vacant, while the duties of the Chancellor's office were done by a commission of two members, or by the Assistant Diwan (*peshdast*) being authorized to officiate for his chief, but temporarily and with the title of a mere deputy (Naib Diwan). The Chancellor had two juniors, viz., the Diwan of Tankhah or grants of jagir, and the Diwan of Khalsa or crownlands.