Abstract
Like all early modern Asian states, the Mughal Empire did not have a regular diplomatic corps with members permanently stationed abroad. Special ambassadors were accredited to states on specific occasions to carry out diplomatic missions. Only learned and experienced senior man sabdars were appointed ambassadors. The envoys coming to the Mughal court were well received with amenities provided corresponding to the status of the monarch they represented. They were required to observe an elaborate protocol in keeping with contemporary diplomatic norms while presenting their credentials at the court. Interest of the state and geopol itical realities of the time rather than religious and sectarian considerations determined the dynamics of Mughal diplomacy. It therefore had all the trappings of a modern diplomatic apparatus.
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