[Solved] Balutedars: Medieval Village Servants in Deccan

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.

[CDS 2023 (I)]

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Correct Option: C

Balutedars were hereditary village servants and artisans in medieval Maharashtra and the Deccan. They served the entire village community and were paid in grain shares.

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Analysis & Evidence

Concept

The Balutedari system was a socio-economic arrangement where the village functioned as a self-sufficient unit, supported by specialized hereditary service castes.

Authentic Source Evidence

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.

Analytical Breakdown

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.

Historical Logic Quest

"How did Balutedars receive payment for their services?"

They received a portion of the harvest (grain share) known as 'Baluta' directly from the farmers they served within the village community.

The Topper's Edge

"The Balutedari system ensured that every member of the village had access to specialized labor without the need for a cash-based economy."

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