Mansab meant rank or status. Manasabdars or office holders were divided into 33 classes and were paid in cash according to their respective grades. There were exceptions to this rule, particularly when the mansabdar was serving in a difficult terrain amidst the rebels. In such cases, the state often increased the sawar rank without altering the zat rank. Obviously, the system was not a static one. It changed to meet the circumstances. Thus, reform was the use of conditional rank (Mashrut), which meant an ‘increase of sawar rank for a temporary period. So, option (C) is correct. ....Read more