Which one among the following regarding the Ahadis of the Mughal period is not true ?

Ahadis were a distinct class of 'gentleman troopers' in the Mughal military organization, serving as the Emperor's personal bodyguards and household troops. They were individual troopers who were not ordinarily placed under the command of Mansabdars, maintaining a direct relationship with the crown. Administratively, they were placed under a separate Diwan and Bakhshi to ensure their loyalty and distinct status. While they were highly paid compared to regular soldiers and even some lower-ranking officers, their salary was not at par with the Mansabdars. Mansabdars held specific ranks (Zat and Sawar) and received significantly higher remuneration, often through large jagirs or cash assignments [2]. Ahadis were considered superior to ordinary soldiers but remained subordinate to the high-ranking nobility or Mansabdars in the imperial hierarchy. Therefore, the statement regarding their salary being at par with Mansabdars is incorrect.

Sources

1. [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 14: The Mughal Empire > Mansabdari System > p. 206
2. [2] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART II, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 8: Peasants, Zamindars and the State > The mansabdari system > p. 214