What does the word bakhshi mean in the Mughal Empire?
The word bakhshi means giver and derives from the verb bakhshidan. Historian William Irvine viewed this term as referring to the official's function of offering recruitment into the army.
Questions about Bakhshi (Mughal Empire)
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did the office of mir bakhshi originate in Indian history?
The office traces its roots at latest to the Delhi Sultanate during the 13th-century reign of Balban. Balban created the office of diwan-i-arz to establish a separated military administration that acted as a check against the vizier.
Who held the title of mir bakhshi under Akbar between 1590s and 1605?
Shaikh Farid Bukhari held the title during the reign of Akbar from 1556 to 1605. He served approximately from the 1590s until 1605 while managing the mansabdari system.
How did the mir bakhshi manage payments for military units in the Mughal Empire?
Payments came either in cash or jagirs which were land grants given to nobles. The official determined these payments through careful calculation after regular inspections ensured units remained ready for service.
What intelligence gathering role did the mir bakhshi perform for the emperor?
Another important function involved the centralisation of intelligence gathering where officials collated information reported by waqia-navis posted in every province. News writers served as eyes and ears throughout the provinces before presenting collected data directly to the emperor.