Modern History : Advent Of Europeans In India

Q 9 / 55

UPSC CSE Prelims 2020

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?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option

The correct option is 1 and 2 only.

Explanation

Administrative and revenue-related terms in medieval and early colonial India had specific functional meanings within state and commercial structures.

Statement 1: Correct
Aurang referred to a workshop or production unit, and in certain administrative contexts, it was associated with state-controlled establishments where officials supervised resources, including treasury-related functions.

Statement 2: Correct
Banian was an Indian agent or broker employed by European trading companies, particularly the East India Company, to manage trade, finances, and local dealings.

Statement 3: Incorrect
Mirasidar denoted a hereditary landholder with customary rights over land, especially in South India, and not specifically a designated revenue payer to the State.

Key Takeaway: Terms like Banian and Mirasidar denote intermediary and landholding roles respectively, while Aurang relates to state-controlled establishments rather than a fixed revenue designation.

SOURCEA Brief History of Modern India by Spectrum, Chapter 3: British Conquest of Bengal and Dual Government