Worksheet Solutions: Peasants, Zamindars and The State | History Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Fill in the Blanks

Q1: The basic unit of agricultural society was the __________.
Ans: village
The village served as the fundamental unit of agricultural society, where peasants collectively engaged in seasonal tasks, forming the backbone of agrarian life.

Q2: The major source for the agrarian history of the sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries was __________.
Ans: chronicles and documents from the Mughal court
Chronicles and documents from the Mughal court meticulously documented arrangements and conflicts between peasants, zamindars, and the state, offering vital insights into agrarian history.

Q3: __________ and __________ were two kinds of peasants in the seventeenth century.
Ans: khud-kashta, pahi-kashta
Khud-kashta were resident peasants cultivating lands within their villages, while pahi-kashta were non-resident cultivators working on contractual basis elsewhere.

Q4: Cultivation was based on the principle of __________ ownership.
Ans: individual
Cultivation in agrarian society was based on the principle of individual ownership, allowing peasants to buy and sell lands like other property owners.

Q5: The village panchayat was headed by a headman known as __________.
Ans: headman (muqaddam or mandal)
The village panchayat, crucial for social order, was headed by a headman (muqaddam or mandal) chosen by village elders for his role in maintaining harmony and resolving disputes.

Q6: Women in agrarian society were involved in tasks such as __________ and __________.
Ans: spinning yarn, sifting and kneading clay for pottery
Women were actively involved in tasks such as spinning yarn and sifting and kneading clay for pottery, contributing significantly to agricultural production and artisanal activities.

Q7: Forest dwellers were termed __________ as their livelihood came from gathering forest produce and hunting.
Ans: Forest dwellers
Forest dwellers, known as janglis, relied on gathering forest produce and hunting for their livelihood, shaping their unique way of life beyond settled villages.

Q8: The __________ were a class of people in the countryside who lived off agriculture.
Ans: zamindars
Zamindars were rural elites living off agriculture, exercising authority in land revenue collection and playing a pivotal role in agricultural development and social order.

Q9: The revenue from the land was the economic mainstay of the __________ Empire.
Ans: Mughal
Revenue from land constituted the economic backbone of the Mughal Empire, providing the necessary resources for its functioning and expansion.

Q10: The __________ was the amount assessed in the land revenue system.
Ans: Jama
In the land revenue system, Jama represented the assessed amount, reflecting the financial obligation of peasants and providing the basis for revenue collection in agrarian society.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: The village panchayat upheld caste boundaries in the village.
Reason: Caste played a significant role in the agrarian society, determining social status and occupations.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (a)
The Assertion is true because the village panchayat indeed upheld caste boundaries in the village, ensuring social order and regulating interactions among different caste groups. The Reason is the correct explanation because caste determined social status and occupations in agrarian society. The panchayats played a role in maintaining these distinctions, reflecting the social structure of the time.

Q2: Assertion: The zamindars were an exploitative class, but their relationship with the peasantry had elements of reciprocity and patronage.
Reason: Zamindars provided means of cultivation, including cash loans, to the cultivators.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (a)
The Assertion is true because zamindars were indeed considered exploitative due to their collection of revenue, but they also provided support to the peasantry, including resources and cash loans. The Reason is the correct explanation because it explains the reciprocal nature of the relationship between zamindars and peasants. Despite the exploitation, there was a symbiotic relationship wherein zamindars supported cultivators' agricultural activities.

Q3: Assertion: Women in agrarian society had limited freedom due to strict control by male members.
Reason: Women were considered important resources in agrarian society.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (a)
The Assertion is true because women in agrarian society were subjected to strict control by male members of the family and community. The Reason is the correct explanation because women were indeed considered important resources due to their roles in labor and as child bearers. This societal dependence on women's labor and reproductive abilities led to their significance in agrarian society.

Q4: Assertion: The Ain-i Akbari provided detailed accounts of the administration and people of the Mughal Empire.
Reason: The Ain was compiled during Aurangzeb’s rule.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (b)
The Assertion is true because the Ain-i Akbari indeed provided detailed accounts of the administration, revenue rates, products, and people of the Mughal Empire. The Reason is also true, but it is not the correct explanation because the compilation of Ain-i Akbari occurred during Akbar's rule, not Aurangzeb's rule. Therefore, while both statements are true, the Reason does not directly explain the Assertion.

Q5: Assertion: The flow of silver from Europe to India contributed to the stability of metal currency in India.
Reason: India had limited trade relations with Europe during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (a)
The Assertion is true because the flow of silver from Europe indeed contributed to the stability of metal currency in India, promoting economic activities and trade. The Reason is the correct explanation because limited trade relations with Europe meant that there was a controlled influx of silver, leading to stability in the metal currency. The stability was a result of the regulated trade interactions with Europe during that period.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Name two kinds of peasants in the seventeenth century.
Ans: The two kinds of peasants in the seventeenth century were the Khudkasht and the Bargadars.

Q2: What were the major seasonal cycles around which agriculture was organized?
Ans: The major seasonal cycles around which agriculture was organized were the Kharif and the Rabi seasons.

Q3: Who headed the village panchayat?
Ans: The head of the village panchayat was the village headman or the Patel.

Q4: What is polaj in the classification of lands under Akbar?
Ans: Polaj referred to fertile lands that were irrigated by rainwater.

Q5: What did the Ain-i Akbari provide detailed accounts of?
Ans: The Ain-i Akbari provided detailed accounts of the administration, society, and economy of the Mughal Empire during Akbar's reign.

Q6: What were forest dwellers termed, and how did they earn a livelihood?
Ans: Forest dwellers were termed as Van Gujjars or Shikaris. They earned a livelihood by hunting, gathering forest produce, and selling it.

Q7: What were the functions of the village panchayat?
Ans: The functions of the village panchayat included resolving disputes, collecting taxes, maintaining law and order, and managing village affairs.

Q8: How did zamindars derive their power in rural society?
Ans: Zamindars derived their power in rural society through their control over land, collection of revenue, and their influence over the local population.

Q9: What was the main economic source of the Mughal Empire?
Ans: The main economic source of the Mughal Empire was agriculture, particularly the cultivation of cash crops like cotton, indigo, and opium.

Q10: Name one new crop introduced to India during the seventeenth century.
Ans: One new crop introduced to India during the seventeenth century was tobacco.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the two types of peasants mentioned in the text (khud-kashta and pahi-kashta).
Ans: The two types of peasants mentioned in the text are khud-kashta and pahi-kashta. Khud-kashta peasants were those who cultivated the land themselves and were the direct cultivators. Pahi-kashta peasants, on the other hand, were those who worked on the land owned by others and paid rent or a share of their produce to the landowners.

Q2: Describe the role and composition of the village panchayat.
Ans: The village panchayat was an important institution in the agrarian society. It consisted of a group of elders or influential members of the village who were elected or appointed to make decisions and resolve disputes in the village. The panchayat played a crucial role in maintaining social harmony, settling land disputes, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the village.

Q3: How did the village artisan system work in the agrarian society?
Ans: The village artisan system in the agrarian society was based on a division of labor. Artisans, such as blacksmiths, weavers, carpenters, etc., lived and worked in the village. They provided essential services and goods to the villagers. They would receive payments in the form of cash, kind, or a share of agricultural produce. This system helped meet the diverse needs of the villagers and fostered interdependence within the community.

Q4: Explain the flow of silver during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries in India.
Ans: During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries in India, there was a significant flow of silver. Silver was imported into India mainly from the Americas through European traders, primarily the Portuguese and later the Dutch and English. This influx of silver led to an increase in trade, economic growth, and changes in consumption patterns. The silver was used to purchase Indian goods, such as textiles and spices, which were in high demand in Europe.

Q5: What were the criteria for the classification of lands under Akbar's rule?
Ans: Under Akbar's rule, lands were classified based on their fertility and productivity. The criteria for classification included the quality of soil, availability of water for irrigation, and the potential yield of crops. Lands were categorized into three main types: Polaj, Parauti, and Chachar. Polaj lands were fertile and produced a good yield, Parauti lands were less fertile and required irrigation, and Chachar lands were barren and unsuitable for cultivation.

Q6: What was the role of women in agrarian society, and what challenges did they face?
Ans: In agrarian society, women played a vital role in agricultural activities such as sowing, harvesting, and processing of crops. They also contributed to household chores and took care of the domestic sphere. However, women faced various challenges, including limited access to resources, lack of control over land, and societal restrictions on their mobility and decision-making power. They often had to work under the authority of male family members and faced gender-based discrimination.

Q7: Explain the concept of reciprocity between zamindars and peasants.
Ans: Reciprocity between zamindars and peasants refers to a mutual relationship based on exchange and cooperation. Zamindars, who were the landowners or revenue collectors, provided protection, land, and resources to the peasants. In return, the peasants paid rent or a share of their agricultural produce to the zamindars. This relationship was interdependent, as the zamindars relied on the labor and cultivation of the peasants, while the peasants relied on the zamindars for land and resources.

Q8: How did the Ain-i Akbari contribute to understanding India during the seventeenth century?
Ans: The Ain-i Akbari was a comprehensive document compiled during the reign of Emperor Akbar. It provided a detailed account of various aspects of India, including its geography, administration, economy, society, and culture. The Ain-i Akbari contributed to a better understanding of India during the seventeenth century by offering insights into the political system, revenue administration, land classification, social hierarchy, and the functioning of the agrarian society. It served as a valuable source for historians studying the period.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the role of the village panchayat in maintaining social order and resolving disputes in agrarian society.
Ans: The village panchayat played a pivotal role in maintaining social order and resolving disputes in agrarian society during the seventeenth century in India.

Composition and Structure:

• The panchayat, comprising village elders and headed by a chosen headman, acted as a local governing body. It was a heterogeneous body representing various communities in the village.

Resolution of Disputes:

• Legal Authority: The panchayat had the legal authority to resolve disputes among villagers, ensuring justice and fairness.
• Caste Boundaries: One crucial function was upholding caste boundaries, preventing transgressions and maintaining social hierarchy.
• Arbitration: Panchayats arbitrated conflicts, employing traditional wisdom and local customs to arrive at just solutions, thereby preventing escalation of disputes.

Social Harmony and Order:

• Fines and Punishments: The panchayat had the power to levy fines and impose punishments, including expulsion from the community, ensuring adherence to societal norms.
• Community Harmony: By resolving disputes and enforcing social norms, the panchayat promoted community harmony, fostering a sense of belonging among villagers.

Resolving Grievances:

• Petitions and Justice: Villagers, including women, could petition the panchayat seeking justice, and the panchayat served as a platform for voicing grievances.
• Fairness and Equity: The panchayat ensured fairness, ensuring that each individual’s concerns were heard and addressed impartially.

Preventing Social Conflicts:

• Preventing Exploitation: The panchayat prevented exploitation by powerful individuals, ensuring that the rights of marginalized sections were protected.
• Maintaining Tradition: By upholding traditional norms, the panchayat preserved cultural practices, reinforcing the social fabric of the village.

Q2: Describe the economic significance of the zamindars in the agrarian structure of India.
Ans: Zamindars held significant economic importance in the agrarian structure of seventeenth-century India, contributing to both agricultural production and economic stability.
Revenue Collection:

• Collection on Behalf of the State: Zamindars collected revenue on behalf of the state, ensuring a smooth flow of funds to the imperial treasury.
• Financial Compensation: In return for their services, zamindars received financial compensation, enhancing their economic status and wealth.

Agricultural Patronage:

• Colonization and Settlement: Zamindars spearheaded the colonization of agricultural land, settling cultivators by providing them with resources and cash loans.
• Agricultural Development: By funding agricultural activities and providing resources, zamindars contributed to the development of agricultural practices, leading to increased productivity.

Economic Stability:

• Investment in Agriculture: Zamindars invested in agriculture, promoting stability in the agrarian sector by ensuring continuous cultivation and preventing fallow lands.
• Employment Generation: Through agricultural activities, zamindars generated employment opportunities, reducing unemployment rates in rural areas.

Trade and Commerce:

• Commercial Transactions: Zamindars engaged in commercial transactions, facilitating trade and commerce in the region and contributing to economic growth.
• Market Stability: By ensuring a steady supply of agricultural produce, zamindars contributed to market stability, preventing price fluctuations and ensuring food security.

Q3: Discuss the impact of new crops and technologies on Indian agriculture during the seventeenth century.
Ans: The seventeenth century witnessed significant transformations in Indian agriculture due to the introduction of new crops and technologies, shaping the landscape of farming practices.

Crop Diversification:

• Introduction of New Crops: Crops like maize, tomatoes, potatoes, and chillies were introduced, diversifying the agricultural landscape and meeting the dietary needs of the population.
• Increased Productivity: New crops led to increased agricultural productivity, as farmers could cultivate a variety of crops throughout the year, ensuring a constant food supply.

Agricultural Technologies:

• Harnessing Cattle Energy: Farmers utilized agricultural technologies harnessing cattle energy, such as plowing and irrigation systems, enhancing efficiency and productivity.
• Irrigation Advancements: Artificial irrigation systems were devised, enabling the cultivation of crops that required additional water, expanding the range of cultivable land.

Commercial Exchange and Globalization:

• Facilitating Trade: The introduction of new crops facilitated trade, both within regions and internationally, leading to economic growth and increased revenue for farmers.
• Global Agricultural Exchange: Indian agriculture became a part of the global agricultural exchange, with the exchange of crops and farming techniques contributing to the diversification of agricultural practices.

Socio-Economic Impact:

• Improved Livelihood: New crops and technologies improved the livelihood of farmers, leading to economic prosperity and social upliftment.
• Cultural Exchange: Cultural exchange occurred as new crops from different parts of the world were adopted, enriching the cultural fabric of Indian society.

Q4: Explain the significance of the Ain-i Akbari as a historical document and its contributions to understanding Mughal India.
Ans: The Ain-i Akbari stands as a monumental historical document, offering unparalleled insights into Mughal India, its administration, economy, society, and culture.

Comprehensive Overview:

• Administrative Structure: Ain-i Akbari provides detailed accounts of the Mughal administrative setup, including revenue systems, governance, and regional divisions, offering a comprehensive understanding of the empire's functioning.
• Socio-Cultural Aspects: The document delves into the social and cultural aspects of Mughal India, providing information about the people, their customs, traditions, and religious practices, allowing historians to reconstruct the societal framework.

Economic Relevance:

• Revenue Details: Ain-i Akbari offers extensive information on revenue rates, land classifications, and collection methods, serving as a vital source for understanding the economic backbone of the Mughal Empire.
• Trade and Commerce: The document sheds light on trade routes, commercial activities, and economic policies, enabling scholars to analyze the empire's economic interactions with the global world.

Historical Benchmark:

• Quantitative Data: Ain-i Akbari provides quantitative data about products, land holdings, and population, serving as a benchmark for demographic and economic studies of the period.
• Historical Accuracy: The document's detailed nature and authoritative tone provide historical accuracy, making it a reliable reference for scholars and researchers studying the Mughal era.