Q. 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?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer : b) 2 and 3 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper
Explanation:
Aurang
The term “Aurang” is not historically used to refer to the in-charge of the treasury of the State in Mughal or any other Indian administration. It is persian term for a warehouse where goods are collected before being sold
Banian
This term was indeed used during the British colonial period in India to refer to Indian agents of the East India Company. These agents were typically local merchants who acted as intermediaries between the British officials and the local Indian populace. They played a crucial role in the trade and administrative operations of the East India Company. Thus, this pairing is correct.
Mirasidar
This term refers to landholders or landlords in parts of South India, particularly in the Tamil regions, who were designated revenue payers to the State. They held mirasi rights, which essentially meant they had hereditary rights to the land and were responsible for collecting and paying revenue to the state. This system was particularly noted in the pre-colonial and colonial periods of Indian history. Therefore, this pairing is also correct.
