From ‘Hamza’ to ‘Barid’: The Spy World of Ancient India

Patna: The recent film Dhurandhar brought the story of spy Hamza Ali Majari into the limelight, thrilling audiences with covert operations. But long before modern cinema, spies played a pivotal role in protecting empires. During Emperor Akbar’s reign, spies were known as Barid, forming a sophisticated intelligence network that safeguarded the Mughal throne.

Akbar’s Administration and the Need for Spies
Akbar’s empire was divided into 12 main provinces—Kabul, Lahore, Multan, Delhi, Agra, Awadh, Allahabad, Bihar, Bengal, Malwa, Ajmer, and Gujarat—later expanded with Khandesh, Ahmadnagar, and Berar. Each province was divided into districts (sarkar), which in turn were subdivided into parganas. Administration was handled by Subedars, military affairs by Faujdars, and internal law and order by Kotwals. To maintain effective control, Akbar established a dedicated intelligence system with Barid (spies) and Waqia Navis (investigative reporters) deployed across the empire.

Role of Barid and Waqia Navis
Barid functioned as undercover agents, while Waqia Navis acted as investigative journalists, reporting small and large incidents across the empire. Their network included ordinary citizens, traders, patrolling cavalry, army personnel, and police staff. Waqia Navis ensured accurate, unbiased information reached Akbar, which no official could tamper with. Based on these reports, Akbar formulated administrative and security policies.

Barid as Undercover Agents
Barid were essentially undercover operatives. The head of the secret intelligence unit, Barid-e-Mumalik, carried out surveillance covertly, traveling across villages, districts, and provinces to uncover conspiracies, identify loyal and disloyal officials, and even spy on court ministers, generals, and nobles. Sometimes, they operated near foreign borders to monitor potential threats.

The Humayun-Akbar Transition and Barid’s Role
After Humayun’s death on 27 January 1556, his trusted general Bairam Khan concealed the emperor’s death to prevent unrest, using a lookalike to maintain the illusion. Barid and Waqia Navis were deployed across the empire to report on internal and external security, ensuring stability. On 14 February 1556, 14-year-old Akbar was formally crowned, with Bairam Khan as his regent and chief general.

Barid vs. Bairam Khan
Barid spies loyal to Akbar reported on Bairam Khan’s growing arrogance and unchecked authority, including dismissals of key officials without Akbar’s consent. Using evidence gathered by Barid and Waqia Navis, Akbar gradually curtailed Bairam Khan’s power. By March 1560, Akbar presented Bairam Khan with a dossier of his misdeeds, forcing him to resign and undertake the Hajj pilgrimage.

Barid Foil Enemy Plans
Even during Bairam Khan’s pilgrimage, Akbar’s Barid continued operations. They tracked his location in Patan and informed rivals, including Mubarak Khan Lohani, who sought revenge for his father’s death at Bairam Khan’s hands. This intelligence allowed precise actions against threats, demonstrating the critical role Barid played in empire security. Notably, the legendary poet Rahim Khan Khana, one of Akbar’s Navratnas, was Bairam Khan’s son, highlighting the deep connections between spies, administration, and culture in Mughal India.

Conclusion
From the covert operations of Barid in Akbar’s court to modern depictions like Dhurandhar, India has a long and fascinating history of espionage. The Barid system exemplifies how intelligence networks were central to governance, stability, and the safeguarding of the realm.