The Mughal Empire developed a highly centralized system of administration in which the emperor occupied the supreme position. The administrative structure was designed to maintain political unity, collect revenue, control the nobility and ensure effective governance over a vast territory. Although the system evolved under different rulers, its basic features were established particularly during the reigns of Akbar and his successors. The emperor was the head of the administration and possessed extensive executive, legislative, judicial and military powers. He appointed and dismissed officials, granted mansabs and jagirs, issued orders and supervised the functioning of the state. The emperor was assisted by a group of important ministers and high-ranking officials who managed different branches of administration. The Wazir or Diwan-i-Ala was the head of the financial administration. He supervised revenue collection, expenditure and the maintenance of state accounts. Under Akbar, the office of the Diwan became particularly