Balutedars in Medieval Deccan: Role and System
Balutedars were village artisans and servants in medieval Maharashtra and the Deccan. They served the whole village and were paid in kind (grain) rather than by individual families.
Primary Reference: Standard Educational Reference
Archived:
Updated:
Exam Year
2023
Evidence Source
Link ↗About Balutedars, which are correct?
1. They were village servants and artisans.
2. They were employed by individual peasant families.
3. They existed in Medieval Deccan and Maharashtra.
[CDS 2023 (I)]
Detailed Solution & Historical Context
Concept
The Balutedar system was a unique socio-economic institution in medieval Western India that ensured the village was a self-sufficient unit. It allowed essential services to be maintained without the need for a complex cash economy.
Authentic Source Evidence
Statement 1 and 3 are correct: Balutedars were village artisans and servants (like carpenters, blacksmiths, and barbers) who lived and worked in Medieval Deccan and Maharashtra.
Statement 2 is incorrect: They were not private employees of a family; they served the entire village community. In return, they were paid with a 'share' of the harvest (grain) from all the farmers in the village.
Analytical Breakdown
Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic
"What was the 'Jajmani' equivalent in Maharashtra?"
Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip
"The Balutedar system illustrates how medieval Indian villages functioned as 'Little Republics' with their own internal professional and economic order."
Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)
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