What does the term “begar” mean in western India during the Mughal reign?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Unpaid labour
Petitions from western India (Rajasthan and Maharashtra) complained to the panchayat about extortionate taxation and the demand for unpaid labour (begar) imposed by the “superior” castes or officials of the state.
NCERT (2026-27): “2.2 Panchayats and headmen … In most cases, except in matters of criminal justice, the state respected the decisions of jati panchayats. Archival records from western India – notably Rajasthan and Maharashtra – contain petitions presented to the panchayat complaining about extortionate taxation or the demand for unpaid labour (begar) imposed by the ‘superior’ castes or officials of the state. These petitions were usually made by villagers, from the lowest rungs of rural society.…” |