Page 5 - The Mughal Magazine

The Different Parts of the Army

Mansabdars

Akbar introduced this unique system. The Mughal army

had no regimental structure. In this system each officer
worked for government was a military officer,
responsible for recruiting and maintaining his quota of
horsemen. His rank was based on the horsemen he
provided, from ten, the lowest, up to 5000. A prince had

the rank of 25000. This called as zat and sowar system.

Cavalry

The cavalry was the superior branch of the Mughal army.
The horsemen normally recruited by mansabdars were
high class people, and better paid than foot soldiers and
artillery men. They must have at least two of their own
horses and good equipment. Normally they used swords,

lances, shields, more rarely guns. Their armour was made
up of steel or leather, and they wore the traditional dress
of their tribes. The regular horseman was called a sowar.

Infantry

Emperors' Own infantry called as Ahsam.
Mansabadars also provided infantrymen. They are
normally ill-paid and ill-equipped. They lacked

discipline. This group included bandukchi or gun
bearers, swordsmen, as well as servants and artisans.