The Mansabdari system, introduced by Emperor Akbar, was a major administrative and military reform. Every official, called a mansabdar, was assigned a rank or mansab that determined his position, salary and number of soldiers he must maintain. The rank had two parts—zat (personal rank) and sawar (cavalry obligations). This system created a centralized, disciplined and loyal nobility directly dependent on the emperor. It eliminated hereditary privileges and prevented powerful feudal lords from challenging the throne. The Mansabdari system became the administrative backbone of the Mughal Empire and continued with modifications during Jahangir and Shah Jahan’s rule.