During the Mughals Muhtasib was an officer in charge of
Last updated May 30, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option B —
Public morality
Who was a Muhtasib? In the Mughal administrative machinery—most prominently during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb—the Muhtasib was appointed as a censor of public morals.
Core Responsibilities:
Their primary duty was to ensure that the general populace conducted their lives in accordance with Islamic law (Sharia).
They regulated public conduct, checked the open sale and consumption of intoxicants (like alcohol and bhang), and restricted gambling or illegal houses.
They were also tasked with checking market malpractices, ensuring that merchants utilized accurate weights and measures.
Why not the others?
(A) Horses: The officer in charge of the imperial stables was known as the Akhtabegi or Mir-i-Akhur.
(C) Land grants: The official who managed religious endowments, charities, and revenue-free land grants (Madad-i-Maash) was the Sadr-us-Sudur.
(D) Royal Armoury: The superintendent or officer in charge of the royal workshop and arms depot was called the Darogha-i-Topkhana or managed under the Khan-i-Saman (who looked after the imperial household and factories).
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
