Medieval History PYQ 98 of 140 · Mughal Emperors

Consider the following statements about Sher Shah's administration:

  • I. Sher Shah's empire was divided into forty-seven sarkars. The Chief Shiqdar (law and order) and the Chief Munsif (judge) were the two officers in charge of the administration of each sarkar.
  • II. Each sarkar was divided into several parganas.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. AI only
  2. BII only
  3. CBoth I and II
  4. DNeither I nor II

BPSC District Statistical Officer Prelims 2025

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (c) Both I and II

Explanation

Both statements are correct.

  • Statement I: Sher Shah divided his empire into about 47 sarkars. Each sarkar had two chief officers: the chief shiqdar (*Shiqdar-i-Shiqdaran*), for law and order, and the chief munsif (*Munsif-i-Munsifan*), for civil cases and the revenue.
  • Statement II: each sarkar was divided into parganas, each with a shiqdar, an amin (for the land revenue), a fotedar (treasurer) and karkuns (clerks).

The Mughals later kept much of this system.

Practise this questionAll 140 Medieval History PYQs