Consider the following statements with reference to some ofthe officia...
Justification & Learning: Kings adopted a number of steps to win the
support of men who were powerful, either economically, or socially, or
because of their political and military strength.
Statement 1 and 2: Important men probably had a say in local
administration. These included the nagarashreshthi or chief banker or
merchant of the city, the sarthavaha or leader of the merchant caravans, the
prathama-kulika or the chief craftsman, and the head of the kayasthas or
scribes.
Statement 3: Sometimes, one person held many offices. For instance,
besides being a maha-danda-nayaka, Harishena was a kumar-amatya,
meaning an important minister, and a sandhi-vigrahika, meaning a minister
of war and peace.
Q Source: Page 116: NCERT 6th History: Our Pasts-I
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Consider the following statements with reference to some ofthe officia...
Explanation:
Nagara-shreshthi, Sarthavaha, and Sandhi-vigrahika are historical officials in ancient India. Let's examine each statement to determine the correct answer.
1. Nagara-shreshthi was the Chief Craftsman of the royal court:
- Nagara-shreshthi, also known as the Chief Merchant, was an important official in ancient Indian society.
- They were responsible for overseeing and managing trade and commerce in the kingdom.
- They played a crucial role in maintaining economic stability and promoting business activities.
- However, Nagara-shreshthi was not the Chief Craftsman of the royal court. This statement is incorrect.
2. Sarthavaha was the leader of bonded labourers:
- Sarthavaha, also known as the Caravan Leader, was a significant official during ancient times.
- They were responsible for leading caravans and ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of goods and people.
- Bonded laborers, on the other hand, were workers who were forced to work in unfavorable conditions to repay a debt or obligation.
- There is no evidence to suggest that Sarthavaha was specifically the leader of bonded laborers. Thus, this statement is incorrect.
3. Sandhi-vigrahika was a minister of war and peace:
- Sandhi-vigrahika was an official who held the responsibility of negotiating and maintaining peace treaties between kingdoms.
- They acted as intermediaries during peace talks, resolving disputes, and preventing conflicts.
- The role of Sandhi-vigrahika was crucial in maintaining diplomatic relations and avoiding unnecessary wars.
- Therefore, this statement is correct.
Conclusion:
- Based on the explanations provided above, statement 1 and 2 are incorrect, while statement 3 is correct.
- Therefore, the correct answer is option 'C' - 3 only.
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