How the Mughals Built a Spy Empire: Intelligence Network Kept Hindu Kings on Their Toes

Long before modern intelligence agencies existed, Mughal emperors had developed an extensive and sophisticated spy network to maintain control over their vast empire and keep a close watch on regional Hindu rulers. Historical records reveal that even without a formal Intelligence Bureau, the Mughals received instant updates about the smallest movements in Rajput courts and beyond.

Direct Reports to the Emperor

The Mughal intelligence system was headed by the Mir Bakshi, the military chief, who appointed spies and reporters. These officers were powerful enough to report directly to the emperor, ensuring that information about corruption, rebellion, or unrest in the provinces reached Delhi or Agra immediately.

Five Layers of Mughal Espionage

According to Dr. Wasim Rashid, Assistant Professor at Cluster University of Jammu, the Mughal intelligence network consisted of five interlocking layers, each monitoring the other:

1. Waqai Nawis (Official Reporters): These were government reporters documenting administrative decisions, local conditions, and court activities. Emperor Akbar had 14 Waqai Nawis working in shifts, providing him with daily updates and even managing appointments at the royal court.
2. Swanih Nawis (Cross-Checkers): Created by Shah Jahan, these officers verified the authenticity of reports. They operated undercover with 20 horsemen and often passed unnoticed by the public, reporting directly to the emperor.
3. Khufiya Nawis (Undercover Agents): The most dangerous spies, Khufiya Nawis disguised themselves as merchants, saints, or wandering mendicants to gather private information from officials. Introduced under Aurangzeb, they even assumed the identities of deceased persons to maintain secrecy.
4. Harkara (Messengers and Scouts): These were not mere couriers; Harkaras reported on road conditions, army movements, and local rumors. Each Harkara reported to the Darog-i-Harkara-i-Kul and sent weekly updates to the emperor, whose trust in their intelligence was absolute.
5. Undercover Spies & Postal Outposts: Earlier known as Munihyan during Alauddin Khilji’s reign, these agents provided early warnings of anti-state movements. The Mughal postal system, established by Sher Shah Suri and expanded by Akbar, acted as the backbone of the empire’s intelligence, with runners and horses ready every 10–15 km to transmit crucial messages overnight.

Espionage During Wars

During conflicts with regional kingdoms, Mughal spies intensified their operations. Scout parties moved miles ahead of the army, monitoring supply lines and ambush points. Some spies infiltrated enemy camps disguised as merchants or wandering ascetics, providing the emperor with detailed strategic intelligence.

Rumors as Weapons

Dr. Rashid notes that under Aurangzeb, espionage extended beyond information gathering. Mughal agents deliberately spread rumors within enemy camps to create fear and uncertainty among generals, allowing emperors to win battles without direct confrontation.

A System of Checks and Balances

The brilliance of the Mughal intelligence network lay in its check-and-balance system—no officer ever knew who was monitoring them. This ensured loyalty, secrecy, and long-term control over one of the largest empires in Indian history.

The Mughal spy network, blending official reporters, undercover agents, and rapid communication channels, not only safeguarded the empire but also kept even vigilant Hindu kings on high alert.