The term 'mansabdar' refers to an individual who holds a mansab, meaning a 'position or rank'. It was a grading system used by the Mughals to fix the rank, salary and military responsibilities. Rank and salary were determined by a numerical value called 'zat'. The higher the 'zat', the more prestigious was the noble's position in court and was larger his salary. 'Mansabdars' received their salaries as revenue assignments called 'jagirs' which were somewhat like iqtas.