faujdars

A faujdar was a high-ranking official in various historical Indian empires, most notably the Mughal Empire. The term is derived from the Persian words "fauj" meaning army and "dar" meaning holder or keeper, thus literally translating to "commander of the army." Their primary role was administrative and military. Faujdars were responsible for maintaining law and order within a specific district or region, known as a sarkar or jagir. This involved commanding a local garrison, collecting taxes and revenue, and suppressing rebellions or any form of unrest. They acted as the emperor's representative in their assigned territory, ensuring the smooth functioning of governance and the collection of dues for the imperial treasury. The position often carried significant power and responsibility, as they were entrusted with both military might and judicial authority within their jurisdiction. Over time, the specific duties and the importance of the faujdar evolved with the changing political landscape of the Indian subcontinent.