subahdari

Subahdari was an administrative position within the Mughal Empire, primarily responsible for overseeing morning patrols, maintaining law and order, and managing the security of a specific region or estate. The term "subahdari" is derived from the Persian word "subah," meaning "morning," indicating the role's emphasis on dawn patrols and early morning activities.

Historically, subahdar (a person holding the position of subahdari) served as a key official within the imperial administrative hierarchy, often functioning as a governor or superintendent of a particular province or subah (administrative division). Their duties included supervising revenue collection, implementing imperial orders, ensuring the safety of travelers and officials, and coordinating with local authorities.

The authority and responsibilities of a subahdar varied across regions and periods but generally entailed significant administrative and military functions. Subahdars often held command over a contingent of soldiers and had the authority to enforce laws, levy taxes, and maintain peace within their jurisdiction.

The role of subahdari declined with the administrative reforms introduced during the later Mughal period and the subsequent British colonial rule, which restructured provincial governance and introduced new tiers of administration. Nonetheless, the term remains historically significant, illustrating the Mughal Empire’s complex and hierarchical system of governance that integrated military, civil, and revenue functions under regional officials.

In modern South Asian countries like India and Pakistan, the term "subah" is still used to denote a province or administrative region, reflecting the historical influence of the Mughal administrative system.