Of all the Rajput states of Rajasthan, Marwar represents the best model for understanding Rajput polity within the perspective of the rise and fall of the Mughal empire. The present study seeks to take a fresh look at the politico-administrative structure in this princely state during the Mughal period.

Based on contemporary documents and records, it traces the historical evolution of this structure and the forces which helped to shape it. The various aspects of Marwar polity such as the role of the nobility, its organi­zation and composition, nature of changes in the institutional structure caused due to external and internal factors and the sources of state revenue have been critically examined. Special emphasis has been given to the economic foundation of this institutional framework, particularly the land revenue.

The author has also discussed the political activities of the Rathor rulers and their relations with the Mughal emperors vis-à-vis the rulers of the neighboring states. These constituted a part of the milieu in which the institutional structure evolved and the changes therein took place.

The author has retained the social, economic and administrative terms in their original form. Since words produce a particular image of the reality they are employed to describe, an analysis of the contemporary connotation of these terms has also been made. These terms and the dis­cussion on them further broaden our understanding of the system.