Vakil-i-Mutlaq

The Vakil-i-Mutlaq (Persian: وکیلِ مطلق), variously translated as the Lieutenant Plenipotentiary,^[1] the Regent Plenipotentiary,^[2] the Vicegerent^[3] or the Imperial Regent, was an important office in the Government of the Mughal Empire, first in ministerial hierarchy and only next to Mughal Emperor. Vekil is an Arabic word which means "representative".^[4] The Vakil was considered as the Emperor's lieutenant in all matters connected with the realm and household. From the reign of Emperor Babur to Emperor Shah Jahan, the title of grand vizier was also given to the Vakil. But afterwards it remained only as dignitary post.^[5]

Vakil of the Mughal Empire
Abu'l-Hasan Asaf Khan
Style	His Excellency
Residence	House of Rule
Appointer	The Emperor
Formation	21 April 1526
First holder	Mir Khalifa
Final holder	Daulat Rao Sindhia
Abolished	9 April 1818

The degree of powers of the Vakil's office varied from era to era. However the Vakil required Emperor's approval in each and every decision. During the era of Babur and Humayun, he had the powers of prime minister while early in the reign of Akbar, Vakil Bairam Khan acted as regent and ruled on the behalf of Emperor. Bairam Khan had his own Vakil-i-Mutlaq, who in this case was a general manager. This position was held by Pir Muhammad Khan Shirwani and when he was temporarily dismissed, given to Haji Muhammad Sistani.^[6] In 1564, Akbar revived the office of Vakil and didn't give him the responsibilities of finance department.^[7] In the reign of Jahangir, the office of Imperial Diwan gained prominence and ultimately during Shah Jahan's regime, the title of grand vizier was transferred from Vakil's office to Imperial Diwan.^[7]

See also

• Government of the Mughal Empire
• List of Mughal grand viziers
• Vakil Munim Khan, successor of Bairam Khan

References

1. Ward, Adolphus William; Gooch, George Peabody (22 December 2011). The Cambridge History of British Foreign Policy, 1783-1919. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-1-108-04013-6. All three areas were controlled by the East India Company as virtual Vakil-i-mutlaq (Lieutenant- Plenipotentiary) of the Mughal Emperor
2. Congress, Indian History (1966). Proceedings of the Indian History Congress: Parts 1-2. The Emperor also honoured Mahadji Sindhia with the title of Vakil-i-Mutlaq or Regent Plenipotentiary, the highest post in the imperial government
3. Hussain, Syed (2006). Bahadur Shah Zafar and the War of 1857 in Delhi. Aakar Books. p. 83. ISBN 978-81-87879-91-6. The following year when Afrasiyab Khan was also killed, Shah Alam appointed Madhaji Sindia as Amiru-l Umara and gave him two patents. -one contained a firman appointing the Peshwa as Vakil-i mutlaq, i.e., vicegerent of the Mughul Empire, and another vested in Madhaji Sindia command of the army as Deputy of the Peshwa-as a guarantee for the pay of the troops; the provinces of Dehli and Agra were assigned to him but they were made subject to a primary charge of Rs. 65,000 as a monthly payment for the household and personal expenses of the Emperor.
4. Malik, Dr Malti (1943). History of India. New Saraswati House India Pvt Ltd. ISBN 978-81-7335-498-4.
5. "Mughal Administration: Key Features & Structure". Jagranjosh.com. 2015-10-21. Retrieved 2020-06-03.
6. Elliot, Henry; Downson, John (1867). The History of India, as Told by Its Own Historians p. 257–259. London: Trübner & Co. – via Wayback Machine.
7. Mehta, Jl. Advanced Study in the History of Medieval India. Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd. ISBN 978-81-207-1015-3.