UPSC Prelims PYQ 1999: Mansabdars’ horse maintenance (Akbar) (Assertion‑Reason)

Consider the following statements:

1. Assertion (A): During the time of Akbar, for every ten cavalrymen, the mansabdars had to maintain twenty horses.
2. Reason (R): Horses had to be rested while on march and replacements were necessary in times of war.

Options:

1. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
2. Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
3. A is true, but R is false
4. A is false, but R is true

Explanation

Option (a) is correct

• The state carefully regulated both the number and quality of horses a sawar was expected to maintain. The general rule was that for 10 sawars there should be 20 horses. This was called the dah-bisti or tentwenty system (3×3 horses = 9; 4 x 2 = 8 horses; 3 x 1 = 3 horses; total 20 horses.) This was done to ensure the mobility of the cavalry which was the main fighting force of the Mughals. A second horse was needed as a replacement if the mount was tired, or injured or dead.

Answer: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A