Mughal Administration in Odisha

Mughal rule in Odisha lasted from 1590–92 CE (Man Singh’s conquest) until the rise of the Marathas in the mid-18th century (about 1751 CE). During this period, Odisha was the Mughal Subah of Odisha, with its capital at Cuttack.

The Subah of Odisha

Odisha became a Subah (province) of the Mughal empire under Emperor Akbar after Man Singh’s expedition. The Subah was divided into sarkars and mahals (parganas):

The Subahdar (Governor) was appointed from Delhi and was responsible for defence, revenue collection, and administration. Important subahdars included Raja Todar Mal’s son Raja Kalyan Singh, and later Murshid Quli Khan.

Revenue Administration

The Mughal land revenue system, based on Todar Mal’s bandobast, was introduced in Odisha:

• Land was measured and classified based on productivity.
• Revenue was assessed in cash at standard rates (dastur-ul-amal).
• The jagirdari system was extended to Odisha, with Mughal mansabdars assigned jagirs in the province.
• However, unlike the Gangetic plains, the heavily forested and tribal areas of Odisha were assessed more lightly or left as zamindaris with tribute obligations.

Relations with Local Chiefs

The Mughals adopted a pragmatic approach to local power structures:

• Raja of Khurda (Bhoi dynasty): Recognized as the superintendent of the Jagannath Temple and allowed to rule Khurda as a tributary state. This gave the Mughals ritual legitimacy and a share in temple revenues.
• Zamindars: Numerous local zamindars and hill chiefs (raja-rajas) were confirmed in their possessions in return for tribute and loyalty.
• Garjat States: The hilly interior (garjat) was left largely autonomous under hereditary chiefs who paid periodic tribute and supplied troops when needed.

Economic Impact

Mughal rule integrated Odisha into the larger imperial economy:

• Trade in textiles, salt, rice, and forest products expanded.
• The port of Balasore and Pipli (near modern Baleshwar) became important trading centres for European companies.
• Road networks and ferries were improved for military and commercial movement.

Decline of Mughal Authority

After the death of Aurangzeb (1707 CE), Mughal control over Odisha weakened. Rebellious subahdars like Murshid Quli Khan of Bengal asserted autonomy. The Marathas under the Bhonsles of Nagpur began raiding Odisha from the 1740s and eventually annexed the province in 1751 CE.

Mughal rule left Odisha with a more centralized administrative apparatus, but the recurring transfer of revenue to the imperial treasury (and later to Bengal) meant that Odisha’s surplus was systematically drained, limiting local investment.