In the Mughal administration, the duty of the 'waqia-navis' was to:

In the Mughal administration, the "waqia-navis" (news-writer) recorded the news of important events in his area and sent regular reports to the emperor.

About the waqia-navis:

• "Waqia" means an event, and "navis" means a writer.
• Waqia-navis were posted at the court, in the provinces, in important towns and in the army.
• They kept a daily record of events, such as the activities of officials, the movements of armies, rebellions, natural disasters, and the condition of the people.
• They also recorded the orders (farmans) received and the actions taken.
• Their reports were sent to the central government regularly.

Purpose:

• The reports helped the emperor to keep watch over his officials and nobles, and to know what was happening in distant parts of the empire.
• They acted as a check on the power of the governors and other officials.

NCERT on news reporting:

NCERT notes that the Mughal emperors received regular reports from the provinces, and that news-writers and spies were an important part of the administration.

It notes that the records of court proceedings (akhbarat-i-darbar-i-mualla) contained all kinds of information, such as attendance at the court, grants of offices and titles, diplomatic missions, presents received, and the transfer of officers.

These reports were carried by the imperial postal system (dak chowki), with runners and horsemen.

Other news-writers:

• "Sawanih-navis": another type of news-writer.
• "Khufia-navis": secret news-writers (spies).
• "Harkaras": messengers and spies.

Importance for historians:

The surviving news reports (akhbarat) are valuable historical sources.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Customs duties were collected by other officials.
• ✗The artillery was commanded by the Mir Atish.
• ✗The royal kitchen was under the household department.