UPSC Prelims 1997 · General Studies
Question 9: History and Culture
The head of the military department under the reorganised central machinery of administration during Akbar’s reign was
AnswerThe answer is (b).
Akbar reorganised the central machinery on earlier Sultanate and Persian lines. The Diwan handled revenue and finance. The Mir Bakshi headed the military department, recommending mansab appointments and managing pay and muster of the troops. The Mir Saman ran the imperial household and workshops, and the Sadr-us-Sudur dealt with religious grants. Remember the Mir Bakshi as the military head.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) The Diwan headed revenue and finance, not the army.
- (b) Right: the Mir Bakshi was the head of the military department.
- (c) The Mir Saman managed the royal household and the imperial workshops.
- (d) A Bakshi was a pay-and-muster officer under the Mir Bakshi, not the head of the department.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1997, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.