Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
In respect to Balutedars, which of the statements given below are correct? 1. They were village servants and artisans. 2. They were employed by individual peasant family. 3. They existed in the Medieval Deccan and Maharashtra. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Solution & Analysis
Answer: C
Concept
The Balutedari system was a socio-economic arrangement where the village functioned as a self-sufficient unit, supported by specialized hereditary service castes.Explanation
Balutedars were artisans and servants (like blacksmiths, potters, barbers) who served the village as a whole rather than a specific individual. They were prevalent in the Medieval Deccan and Maharashtra.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Statement 1 is correct; they provided essential agrarian and social services.
Logic 2: Statement 2 is incorrect; they were not private employees. They received a share of the village harvest (Baluta) collectively from the farmers.
Logic 3: Statement 3 is correct; the 'Bara Balutedar' (Twelve Trades) system is a hallmark of Maratha and Deccan rural history.