Write a short note on highlight the major characteristics of Mughal Administration.

The Mughal Empire, which ruled over the Indian subcontinent from the early 16th to the mid-19th centuries, established a sophisticated administrative system characterized by several key features:

1. Centralized Authority:
The Mughal administration was highly centralized, with ultimate authority vested in the emperor (Shahenshah). The emperor held absolute power and authority over all aspects of governance, including taxation, justice, and military affairs.

2. Division of Empire into Provinces:
The empire was divided into administrative provinces called "subahs," each governed by a provincial governor known as a "Subahdar" or "Subedar." These provinces were further subdivided into districts (sarkars) and smaller administrative units.

3. Mansabdari System:
The Mughal administration implemented the Mansabdari system, a hierarchical system of military and civil appointments. Officials, known as "mansabdars," were appointed based on their rank (mansab) and were granted revenue assignments (jagirs) in exchange for military service.

4. Revenue Administration:
Revenue administration was a central component of Mughal governance. The empire employed a sophisticated revenue system known as the "Zabt" or "Dastur-ul-Amal," which involved the assessment and collection of taxes, primarily land revenue (zamindari) based on the productivity of agricultural land.

5. Judicial System:
The Mughal Empire had a well-developed judicial system that administered justice in accordance with Islamic law (Sharia). Qazis (Islamic judges) presided over civil and criminal cases, while royal courts (Diwani Adalats) were established to handle cases involving revenue and administrative matters.

6. Military Administration:
The Mughal military was organized under the Mansabdari system, with soldiers (sepoys) recruited from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds. The emperor commanded a standing army consisting of cavalry, infantry, and artillery, supplemented by regional forces controlled by provincial governors.

7. Promotion of Art and Culture:
The Mughal administration actively patronized art, architecture, literature, and culture, leading to the flourishing of Indo-Islamic art and the development of Mughal architecture, painting, and literature. The construction of grand monuments such as the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort exemplifies the empire's cultural achievements.

8. Religious Tolerance:
Despite being an Islamic empire, the Mughal administration practiced religious tolerance and accommodated diverse religious communities, including Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians. The emperor Akbar, in particular, promoted a policy of religious pluralism and encouraged dialogue among different faiths.

In summary, the Mughal administration was characterized by centralized authority, division of the empire into provinces, the Mansabdari system, revenue administration, a well-developed judicial system, military organization, patronage of art and culture, and religious tolerance. These characteristics contributed to the stability, prosperity, and cultural richness of the Mughal Empire during its heyday.