The correct answer is Both (A) and (B) are true.

• Those who held high civil posts under the Mughals were also mansabdars and were graded accordingly.
• Mansabdars could be transferred from one section of the administration to another section, for example from military to civil or vice versa.
• Hence, Not all the mansabdars were military officers.
• Hence Both A and B are true.

• Mansabdari System – Origins
  • Mansabdari was the administrative system implemented by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1571.
  • Akbar institutionalized and reformed it on the basis of military and civil administration. 
  • The officers who joined the Mughal Administration were known as Mansabdars.
  • Mansabdars could be transferred from one section of the administration to another section, for example from military to civil or vice versa. 
  • The power to recruit and promote Mansabdars was in the hands of the Mughal Emperor. Usually, Mansabdars were also recruited on the basis of suggestions given by ‘Mirbakshi.
• Mansabdar – Ranking/Hierarchy of Administrative Officers
  • The word ‘Mansab’ originates from the Arabic Language. It means position or rank.
  • The hierarchy of the Mansabdars-
  • Amir of Amirs – These Mansabdars were given the title of Amir-al-Umara, translated as Amir of Amirs. They were Mansabdaris whose rank was above 5000.
  • Amir-al-Kabir (Great Amir) – These were Mansabdars whose ranks were above 1000.
  • Amir – These were administrative officials whose rank was 1000 or below.
  • Highest Ranked Mansab-10,000
  • Lowest Ranked Mansab-10
• Mansabdari System – Structure
  • There was a dual representation of Mansab-
  • Zat – This indicated the Rank in the administration as well as the salary of the Mansabdar.
  • Sawar – This represented the Cavalry Rank. It denotes the number of horses and cavalrymen maintained by Sawar. 
  • The position of Mansabdar in the hierarchy depended on the Zat.
• Mansabdars – Salary (Cash & Land)
  • The salary of Mansabdars was commensurate with their ranks.
  • Mansabdars who received payments through the land was known as Jagirdars.
  • Basically, Jagirdars were given the right to collect revenue from a piece of land.
  • Mansabdars who received payments through cash was known as Naqdi.
  • The post of Mansabdar was not hereditary.
• Mansabdars – Military Responsibilities
  • The Mansabdars had to bring their cavalrymen for review and get them registered.
  • The Mansabdars were responsible for maintaining a specified number of horses and cavalrymen.