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Peasants, Zamindars And The State
Describe three factors that accounted for the constant expansion of agriculture during sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
The three factors that accounted for the constant expansion of agriculture during sixteenth and seventeenth centuries:
(i) Abundance of land.
(ii) Availability of labour.
(iii) Mobility of the peasants
Irrigation projects received state support as well. For example, in northern India the state undertook digging of new canals (nahr, nala) and also repaired old ones like the shahnahr in the Punjab during Shah Jahan’s reign.
Though agriculture was labour intensive, peasants did use technologies that often harnessed cattle energy. A drill, pulled by a pair of giant oxen, was used to plant seeds, but broadcasting of seed was the most prevalent method. Hoeing and weeding were done simultaneously using a narrow iron blade with a small wooden handle.
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On an outline map of the world, mark the areas which had economic links with the Mughal Empire, and trace out possible routes of communication.
Visit a neighbouring village. Find out how many people live there, which crops are grown, which animals are raised, which artisanal groups reside
there, whether women own land, how the local panchayat functions. Compare this information with what you have learnt about the sixteenth-
seventeenth centuries, noting similarities and differences. Explain both the changes and the continuities that you find.
How were the village artisans compensated by the villagers for their services? Write about any one.
How did the zamindars derive their power during the Mughal period? Mention any two ways.
What was Jati Panchayat? State any two of its functions.
Why had an artificial system of irrigation to be devised in India during sixteenth and seventeenth centuries ? Mention one such system.
Define the following terms : Polaj and Parati lands.
Why were women considered an important resource in agrarian society? Mention two reasons.
Mention two factors for enjoying social and economic privileges by the zamindars in the Mughal India.
Define the following terms : Chachar and Banjar.
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