Explain why the nobility was recruited …

The nobility was the corps of officers which occupied an important pillar of the Mughal state. The nobility under Mughals was recruited from diverse ethnic and religious groups. It comprised Iranis, Turanis, Afghans, Rajputs, Deccanis. They all were given positions in the empire and were rewarded purely on the basis of their service and loyalty to the king. Different groups and classes of people from all societies were privileged to kiss the imperial threshold and find employment.

This ensured that no faction was large enough to challenge the authority of the state. It prevented any large scale uprising or threat from within its administration. The nobility occupied the highest rank in the Mughal state. Thus, there was suspicion and a tendency that it might turn against the emperor if it was composed of homogenous groups.

The agency of state was held supreme and could not be surpassed by any other group. The officer corps of the Mughals was held together by loyalty to the emperor. They only accepted the authority of the emperor and took his commands.

Although from time to time, members of different groups gained importance and high ranks. In Akbar’s imperial service, Turani and Iranian nobles were recruited. Iranians gained high offices under Jahangir. Aurangzeb appointed Rajputs to high positions. Along with them the Marathas also accounted for a sizeable number within the body of officers.

The emperor personally reviewed changes in rank, titles and official postings based on the service and loyalty to the king.