[Solved] What are Panahi and Upanah? | Medieval Footwear

In what context does 'Panahi' and 'Upanah' mentioned in the medieval Indian History?

[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre.) 2020]

⚡ Generate AI Quick Summary

Correct Option: D

Panahi and Upanah were terms used for shoes/footwear in medieval India. Panahi were typically rugged leather shoes, while Upanah were lighter and often cloth-based.

A. Cloth

B. Jewellery

C. Accommodation

D. Shoes

Analysis & Evidence

Concept

Historical terminology often includes everyday items that reveal much about the social hierarchy, trade, and material culture of the period.

Authentic Source Evidence

Texts from medieval India refer to Panahi (rugged leather footwear) and Upanah (lighter, often cloth-based shoes). These items varied in design based on the wearer's rank.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Panahi were durable shoes often used by soldiers, sometimes adorned with metal studs to denote rank.

Logic 2: Upanah were simpler and more common among civilians, representing the broader category of 'sandals' or 'shoes' in regional dialects.

Historical Logic Quest

"How did footwear like Panahi signify social status?"

The use of specific materials like high-quality leather and expensive metal studs distinguished high-ranking military officials from common soldiers.

The Topper's Edge

"Costume details like footwear are essential for historians to reconstruct the lifestyle and economic tiers of the medieval Indian populace."

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