Administration of Justice in Aurangzeb’s Time
Summary
The article "Administration of Justice in Aurangzeb’s Time" examines the practical functioning of the Mughal justice system during the reign of Aurangzeb, contrasting it with theoretical administrative texts. The author argues that while much has been written about Mughal administration, the actual practice is best understood through recently discovered provincial records. The primary evidence comes from the Akhabarat (Provincial) of Ajmir from the forty-sixth year of Aurangzeb’s reign, which the author discovered at Hyderabad (Deccan), supplemented by the Jaipur Record from the library of Sir Jadunath Sarkar. The article presents a series of specific legal cases to illustrate the judicial process. These cases demonstrate the roles of various officials, including the provincial governor, the Qazi (judge), and the Vakil (representative). For instance, Iftikhar Khan, the governor of Ajmir, held court and referred most cases to the Qazi, though he sometimes decided matters himself. The Qazi's authority is highlighted in cases involving evidence, such as the dismissal of a suit against Shahab-ud-Din because the witnesses were not conforming Muslims, rendering their testimony inadmissible. The text also details the procedures for resolving disputes, including the use of oaths, as seen in the case of Sayam Ram versus Kaisri Singh and Jivraj, where the Qazi ordered the defendants to take an oath because they denied the complaint. Furthermore, the article discusses the handling of criminal cases, such as thefts, and the involvement of higher authorities like the emperor. In the case of Mohan Singh versus thieves, the governor ordered the thieves' heads to be exhibited on trees after they were killed by villagers. The text also notes instances of corruption or overreach, such as the Qazi of Muttra complaining that the Kotwal decided cases himself, leading to the Qazi's transfer on December 24, 1692. Other cases involve land disputes, debt recovery, and complaints against officials, showing the complex and often cumbersome nature of the justice system. The author uses these examples to provide a practical view of justice administration under Aurangzeb.
AI-generated summary, automatically checked against the article text.
Conclusion
This article demonstrates that the administration of justice under Aurangzeb was a complex, multi-tiered process, moving beyond theoretical prescriptions to reveal practical realities. Utilizing recently discovered Ajmer *Akhabarat* and Jaipur records, the study highlights the collaborative, and often contentious, relationship between provincial governors, Qazis, and local officials. Key findings indicate that while the Qazi was central to adjudicating cases according to Islamic law, the governor retained significant administrative and judicial authority, frequently overseeing inquiries and referring matters upwards to the imperial court. The implications of this evidence are profound, challenging monolithic views of Mughal governance by showcasing a pragmatic system that accommodated diverse legal traditions and local power dynamics. Ultimately, this practical approach to justice underscores the nuanced and adaptable nature of the state apparatus during Aurangzeb’s reign.