This work makes a detailed study of the structure of the Mughal nobility and the role played by the nobles during the reign of Akbar and Jahangir in the light of an in-depth investigation of the fluctuating fortunes of nine leading families. The study begins with a brief survey of the working of nobility under Babur and Humayun for a better understanding of the complex problem of nobility during the early years of Akbar's reign. The author has chosen at least one family from each of the important racial group that made up the nobility, viz., the Turani, Irani, Indian Mulsims, Rajputs and Afghans to make the study more comprehensive. In addition the author has, in the concluding chapter, also looked at the Mughal nobility as a whole while assessing the role of individual family groups. Three appendices provide list of nobles, family charts and two letters of Mirza Aziz Koka addressed to Akbar and Jahangir respectively. This well researched study enhances our understanding of the role played by nobility during the reign of Akbar and Jahangir.