Mir Bakhshi was the head of the military department, holding the rank of imperial minister in the Mughal period. In the Sultanate period, the head of this department was called Ariz-i-Mamalik.

Mir Bakhshi was an officer of influence, being second only to the Diwan or Vakil. As head of the army he was in charge of recruitment, reviews and other similar affairs connected with the army. He was assisted by subordinate Bakhshis, called the second Bakhshi. Separate Bakhshi was sent with each contingent of the invading army. These Bakhshis were mainly responsible for disbursing salaries of the soldiers. In this way, Bakhshis were appointed in the provinces, Sarkars and such other smaller units. These Bakhshis were made responsible to the Mir Bakhshi. [Abdul Karim]