Final answer:
Sher Shah Suri did contribute to administrative practices, but it was Akbar the Great who transformed the Mughal Empire's administration by instituting a structured bureaucracy and a system of mansabdars. Akbar's approach to governance laid the groundwork for a hybrid Indo-Islamic culture, setting a precedent for his successors.
Step-by-step explanation:
While Sher Shah Suri (who ruled before the Mughals) established an administrative framework that was in some ways a precursor to the Mughal system, it was Akbar the Great who truly transformed the administrative structure of the Mughal Empire.
Akbar revolutionized the empire's bureaucracy by dividing the realm into provinces with a governor, a chief judge, a military commander, and a financial administrator in each. In addition, Akbar introduced the system of mansabdars, civil servants ranked and promoted based on performance and merit, responsible for recruiting cavalry for the Mughal army.
Moreover, Akbar's policies created a hybrid Indo-Islamic culture in his realm, indicative of his religious tolerance and interest in fostering a multi-faith society. He encouraged religious debates and was eclectic in his approach to governance, a sentiment echoed by his descendants who continued to support the arts, architecture, and uphold a strong economy.
The inclusive administration under Akbar set a precedent for subsequent Mughal rulers like Jahangir and Shah Jahan, who continued to expand and diversify the empire culturally and economically, with Shah Jahan also being remembered for the architectural achievement of constructing the Taj Mahal.