During the nineteenth-century, who acted as both a 'moneylender' and a 'trader'?

Sahukar

The correct answer is Option (3) → Sahukar

A sahukar was someone who acted as both a moneylender and a trader.

Deccan Revolt of 1875: The movement began at Supa, a large village in Poona (present-day Pune) district. It was a market centre where many shopkeepers and moneylenders lived. On 12 May1875, ryots from surrounding rural areas gathered and attacked the shopkeepers, demanding their bahi khatas (account books) and debt bonds. They burnt the khatas, looted grain shops, and in some cases set fire to the houses of sahukars. From Poona the revolt spread to Ahmednagar. Then over the next two months it spread even further, over an area of 6,500 square km. More than thirty villages were affected. Everywhere the pattern was the same: sahukars were attacked, account books burnt and debt bonds destroyed. Terrified of peasant attacks, the sahukars fled the villages, very often leaving their property and belongings behind. As the revolt spread, British officials saw the spectre of 1857 . Police posts were established in villages to frighten rebellious peasants into submission. Troops were quickly called in; 951 people were arrested, and many convicted. But it took several months to bring the countryside under control.

Roles of Shahukar:

Economic activities: Sahukars often operated in rural areas where both moneylending and trade were essential economic activities.

Diversification: By engaging in trade along with moneylending, Sahukars could diversify their sources of income. They would invest in various businesses, including buying and selling agricultural produce, textiles, and other commodities.

Risk Management: Trading activities allowed Sahukars to spread their risks. They could make profits from trading when moneylending alone might not yield significant returns. This helped them manage the uncertainties associated with moneylending.

Interlinked Markets: Moneylending and trading were often closely related. Sahukars would provide loans to farmers and traders, especially during crop seasons, and then purchase the agricultural produce for trade.

Profits and Interest: Sahukars charged interest on loans they provided, and the profits earned from trading contributed to their wealth and income.