Government of the Mughal Empire

Flag and Seal of the Mughal Empire
Overview
Established21 April 1526 (1526-04-21)
Dissolved21 September 1857 (1857-09-21)
StateMughal Empire
LeaderMughal emperor
MinistriesVakil / Grand vizier
Ministry of finance
Ministry of the military
Ministry of law/religious patronage
Ministry of the imperial household and public works
HeadquartersAgra
Delhi
Lahore
Fatehpur Sikri

The government of the Mughal Empire was a highly centralised bureaucracy, most of which was instituted during the rule of the third Mughal emperor, Akbar. The central government was headed by the Mughal emperor; immediately beneath him were four ministries. The finance/revenue ministry was responsible for controlling revenues from the empire's territories, calculating tax revenues, and using this information to distribute assignments. The ministry of the military (army/intelligence) was headed by an official titled mir bakhshi, who was in charge of military organisation, messenger service, and the mansabdari system. The ministry in charge of law/religious patronage was the responsibility of the sadr as-sudr, who appointed judges and managed charities and stipends. Another ministry was dedicated to the imperial household and public works.