One important pillars of the Mughal state was its corps of officers also called the nobility.

Features:-

1. The mobility was recruited from diverse ethnic and religious groups the mobility consisted of Indian Muslims and Educated Hindus etc.

They were described as a ‘Guldasta’ and were loyal to the Emperor.

2. The nobles were given Mansabs which indicated his Zat (salary) and accordingly he was required to maintain the number of housemen (Sawar).

3. The nobles participated in military campaigns with their armies and also served as officers of the Empire in the provinces.

4. Each military commander was supposed to maintain a cavalry- the main striking arm of the Mughal army. All the horses were marked with are imperial insignia (dagh).

5. The Emperor personally received changes in rank, titles and official postings of his nobles.

6. Akbar also established spiritual relationships with a select band of his nobility by treating them as his disciples (Murids).

7. Some nobles were stationed at the court and they were a reserve force to be deputed to a province or military campaign.

The relationship between the nobles and the Emperor was based on loyalty towards the Emperor they were duty bound to appear twice daily morning and evening, to express submission to the emperor in the public audience hall they shared responsibility for guarding the Emperor and his household round the clock.