The 'Dubashes' were
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Indians who could speak two languages the local and the English.
The dubashes of Madras were Indians who could speak two languages, the local language and English, and worked as agents and merchants between Indian society and the British.
Note: This question is taken from the chapter ‘Colonial Cities’ which was there in the pre-rationalised NCERT and has been deleted from subsequent editions of NCERT, including the NCERT book (2026-27).
NCERT (Pre-rationalised): “4.1 Settlement and segregation in Madras … Madras developed by incorporating innumerable surrounding villages and by creating opportunities and spaces for a variety of communities. Several different communities came and settled in Madras, performing a range of economic functions. The dubashes were Indians who could speak two languages – the local language and English. They worked as agents and merchants, acting as intermediaries between Indian society and the British. They used their privileged position in government to acquire wealth. Their powerful position in society was established by their charitable works and patronage of temples in the Black Town.…” |