With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs: 1. Aurang → In-charge of treasury of the State 2. Banian → Indian agent of the East India Company 3. Mirasidar → Designated revenue payer to the State Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched ?
2 and 3 only
Understanding Historical Terms in India: Aurang, Banian, and Mirasidar
The question asks us to consider three pairs related to the history of India and determine which ones are correctly matched based on the historical roles of the terms provided. Let's examine each pair individually to understand their historical context and verify the given descriptions.
Analysis of Pair 1: Aurang and Treasury In-charge
The term 'Aurang' (sometimes spelled 'Aw rang') historically referred to a warehouse, a manufacturing centre, or a place where goods collected for sale were stored. It was particularly associated with centres for the production or collection of commodities like silk or indigo during the Mughal period and under the East India Company's rule.
The description provided is "In-charge of treasury of the State". The person in charge of the state treasury was typically known by different titles such as 'Khazandar' or 'Diwan' (who oversaw revenue and finance). An 'Aurang' itself was a physical location or production/collection unit, not an official position in charge of the state's finances.
Therefore, the role described ("In-charge of treasury of the State") does not match the historical meaning of 'Aurang'.
Conclusion for Pair 1: Incorrectly matched.
Analysis of Pair 2: Banian and Indian Agent of the East India Company
The term 'Banian' (also spelled 'Banyan') was commonly used during the period of European trading companies in India, especially in Bengal. 'Banians' were Indian brokers, traders, or agents who acted as intermediaries between European merchants (like the East India Company) and local producers, artisans, or other traders. They played a crucial role in facilitating trade, managing finances, and navigating local customs and markets for the European companies.
The description provided is "Indian agent of the East India Company". This description accurately reflects the historical role of a 'Banian' who often served as an agent or intermediary for companies like the East India Company.
Conclusion for Pair 2: Correctly matched.
Analysis of Pair 3: Mirasidar and Designated Revenue Payer to the State
The term 'Mirasidar' is derived from the word 'Mirasi', which refers to hereditary right, particularly to land. In regions of South India, especially during the colonial period and under the Ryotwari settlement system, Mirasidars were hereditary landholders who possessed certain rights over the land and were responsible for paying land revenue directly to the state.
The description provided is "Designated revenue payer to the State". This aligns with the historical role of Mirasidars, who held hereditary land rights and were indeed designated individuals responsible for paying land revenue to the state.
Conclusion for Pair 3: Correctly matched.
Summary of Findings
Based on the analysis:
- Pair 1: Aurang → In-charge of treasury of the State is Incorrect.
- Pair 2: Banian → Indian agent of the East India Company is Correct.
- Pair 3: Mirasidar → Designated revenue payer to the State is Correct.
Therefore, the correctly matched pairs are 2 and 3 only.
| Term | Given Role | Historical Role | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurang | In-charge of treasury of the State | Warehouse, manufacturing/collection centre (e.g., for indigo, silk) | Incorrect |
| Banian | Indian agent of the East India Company | Indian broker, agent, or intermediary for European companies | Correct |
| Mirasidar | Designated revenue payer to the State | Hereditary landholder responsible for paying land revenue to the state (South India) | Correct |
Revision Table: Key Historical Terms and Their Meanings
| Term | Meaning/Role |
|---|---|
| Aurang | A place of manufacturing, collection, or storage, especially for trade goods like textiles or indigo. |
| Banian | An Indian agent, broker, or merchant acting as an intermediary, particularly for European trading companies. |
| Mirasidar | A holder of hereditary land rights (mirasi) in South India, often responsible for paying land revenue. |
| Khazandar | In-charge of the treasury (Mughal period). |
| Diwan | Chief financial officer responsible for revenue collection and expenditure (Mughal period). |
Additional Information on Historical Roles and Systems
Understanding these terms provides insight into the socio-economic structure and administrative systems prevalent in India during different historical periods, especially under the Mughals and the British East India Company.
- East India Company Agents: The East India Company relied heavily on Indian intermediaries like Banians and Gomastas (agents who contracted producers) to procure goods and manage local trade, as they possessed local knowledge and connections.
- Revenue Systems: The role of Mirasidars is linked to traditional landholding patterns and later the British revenue settlements, like the Ryotwari System in South India, where revenue was collected directly from the cultivators or hereditary landholders (like Mirasidars). This contrasts with the Zamindari System, where Zamindars were intermediaries responsible for collecting revenue from tenants and paying a fixed amount to the state.
- Mughal Administration: Under the Mughals, financial administration was overseen by officials like the Diwan, while local production centers or collection points, including those related to state-controlled industries, might have had different administrative structures, distinct from the central treasury management.
These historical terms reflect the complex administrative, economic, and social relationships that existed in different parts of India.
Important Questions from Important Historical Data
Which of the following statements about the resolution adopted in the Karachi session of the Indian National Congress with regard to fundamental rights and economic policy is/are correct?
1. It was opposed by Ambalal Sarabhai.
2. Its 20 points included demands for civil liberties and adult suffrage.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Mahatma Gandhi's Hind Swaraj is essentially
Consider the following movements:
1. Moplah Rebellion
2. Bardoli Satyagraha
3. Champaran Satyagraha
4. Salt Satyagraha
Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the above in ascending order?
Who among the following is one of the authors of the book “philosophy of the Bomb”?
Which Viceroy had made the observation, “It's a beautiful world if it wasn’t for Gandhi …”?
