A History of Agriculture in India v2.c85.s4.4

v2.c85.s4.4

UNDER the Mughal system of government, at the top was the Emperor and his court comprising ministers, *omrahs* and *mansabdars*. The offices of trust and dignity were held by foreigners, Persians, Arabs and Turks. The *mansabdars* had to maintain a fixed quota of horses. They derived their income from *jagirs* or land revenue assignments or in cash from the treasury. Bernier, who watched them at close range, states that in spite of their pomp and show, most of them were in embarrassed circumstances and deeply in debt. This was on account of the fact that they maintained large establishments of wives, servants, camels and horses. Besides, they had to make costly presents to the Emperor at certain annual festivals.