How was the Mughal Empire divided into provinces under Akbar?

Under the administration of the emperor Akbar, the Mughal Empire was organized into a centralized, bureaucratic system to ensure stability and efficient governance. The empire was divided into 15 provinces, known as subahs.1

These provinces were not uniform in area or income. To maintain central control and prevent provincial governors from becoming hereditary rulers, Akbar implemented a separation of powers. Each province was overseen by a governor, or subadar, who managed civil and military affairs, alongside a diwan, a civil administrator who reported directly to the emperor regarding revenue collection and accounts. Other key provincial officials included a bakhshi (military commander), a sadr (religious administrator), and a qadi (judge).12

The provinces were further subdivided into districts called sarkars, which were managed by officials such as the faujdar (responsible for law and order) and the amalguzar (responsible for revenue assessment). This hierarchical structure, supported by the mansabdari system, allowed Akbar to maintain authority over his vast territories while enlisting the service of diverse groups, including Rajput princes.3124