The term which Indo-Persian sources of the Mughal period most frequently used to denote a peasant was raiyat (plural, riaya) or muzarian. In addition, we also encounter the terms kisan or asami. Cultivation was based on the principle of individual ownership. Peasant lands were bought and sold in the same way as the lands of other property owners. Monsoons remained the backbone of Indian agriculture, as they are even today. But there were crops which required additional water. Artificial systems of irrigation had to be devised for this.
The missing lines name three factors that accounted for the constant expansion of agriculture. Which were they?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Abundance of land, available labour and the mobility of peasants
Option (1) Abundance of land, artificial irrigation and new ploughs — Incorrect. Abundance of land is one factor. Irrigation was needed only for crops requiring extra water, and new ploughs are outside the three factors.
Option (2) Available labour, regular monsoons and loans from the state — Incorrect. Labour was one factor. Monsoons are the backbone of farming, and state loans are outside the three factors.
Option (3) Abundance of land, available labour and the mobility of peasants — Correct. Abundance of land, available labour and the mobility of peasants were the three factors behind the constant expansion of agriculture.
Option (4) Mobility of peasants, wealthy zamindars and canal building — Incorrect. Peasant mobility was a factor, but zamindars and canals are not among the three.
NCERT (2026-27): “1.3 Irrigation and technology |