HISTORY BEHIND THE WORD VAKIL

During the Mughal Empire’s reign, The Arabic word for lawyer or advocate is vakil. It was a high position in the Mughal government and was only second to the Mughal Emperor in the ministerial hierarchy.
Vakil was recognised as the Emperor’s lieutenant in all affairs pertaining to the realm and the household. The vakil has also been given the title of Grand Vizier from the time of Emperor Babur through the time of Emperor Shah Jahan. But it was merely a dignitary position after that.

During the reigns of Babur and Humayun, it had the authority of the prime minister, whereas during the early years of Akbar’s reign, Vakil Bairam Khan acted as the emperor’s representative and ruled on his behalf. In 1564, Akbar restored the vakil post but did not give him responsibility for the financial division. The Imperial Diwan office grew in popularity throughout Jahangir’s tenure, and finally, under Shah Jahan, the Vakil office received the title of Grand Vizier from the Imperial Diwan.