With reference to the Mansabdari System during the Mughal period, consider the following statements:

1. The mansabdars were classified based on the zat and sawar ranks.
2. The zat rank determined the number of cavalry to be maintained by a mansabdar.
3. The system was introduced by Akbar to strengthen central control over the nobility.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Key Fact(s)

The Mansabdari system was a unique administrative and military framework of the Mughal Empire institutionalized under Akbar in the late sixteenth century. The term “mansab” means rank or position, and it determined status, salary, and military responsibility. Mansabdars were paid either in cash or through assignment of jagirs, but the jagirs were transferable to prevent local entrenchment. The ranking system ranged from 10 to 10,000, though higher ranks were reserved for princes and top nobles. The system helped integrate diverse groups such as Rajputs, Afghans, and Persians into imperial service. It declined during the later Mughal period due to fiscal strain and the growing mismatch between jagir assignments and revenue availability.