Banjaras during the medieval period of Indian history were generally
- A.agriculturists
- B.warriors
- C.weavers
- D.traders
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is D, traders. The Banjaras were travelling traders and carriers who moved goods across the country on long caravans of pack oxen.
Their caravans, called tanda, could have thousands of bullocks carrying grain, salt and other goods from the countryside to towns and markets. Medieval writers mention them often. Alauddin Khalji relied on Banjaras to bring grain to the markets of Delhi under his price-control system, and Jahangir wrote that they carried grain on their animals from place to place. Armies on the march also depended on them for supplies, and the Mughals and later the Marathas and the English used them for this purpose.
A is wrong: they moved farm produce but were not themselves settled cultivators.
B is wrong: they supplied armies with grain but were not soldiers by profession.
C is wrong: weaving was the work of other communities; the Banjaras were carriers and dealers.
Exam tip: Banjaras = caravan traders with pack bullocks (tanda); they fed Alauddin Khalji's Delhi markets and supplied medieval armies.
Practice Questions
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After forming the Indian National Army, Subhas Chandra Bose
1. recruited a large number of soldiers from the Indian Prisoners of War in Japanese camp
2. introduced a women's detachment named after the Rani of Jhansi
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.Both 1 and 2
- D.Neither 1 nor 2
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- B.Princess Jahanara
- C.Emperor Shah Jahan
- D.Prince Dara Shikoh
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Read the full explanation →Consider the following statements about the Rowlatt Act of 1919 :
1. It was passed by the Imperial Legislative Council.
2. Khilafat Committee was formed to oppose the Act.
3. While Gandhiji was arrested, the local leaders were allowed to continue the protest.
How many of the above statements is/are NOT correct ?
- A.One
- B.Two
- C.Three
- D.None
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- A.Rajendra Prasad
- B.Narendra Dev
- C.Maulana Azad
- D.Sardar Patel
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1. Shaka era 2. Kalachuri era 3. Vikrama era 4. Harsha era 5. Gupta era
Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the above eras starting with the earliest ?
- A.1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5
- B.3 - 1 - 5 - 2 - 4
- C.2 - 3 - 1 - 4 - 5
- D.3 - 1 - 2 - 5 - 4
Show answer
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