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Class 12
History - Themes in Indian History - II
Peasants, Zamindars and the State
Examine the role played by zamindars in Mughal India.

Examine the role played by zamindars in | Class 12 History - Themes in Indian History - II Chapter Peasants, Zamindars and the State, Peasants, Zamindars and the State NCERT Solutions

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 History - Themes in Indian History - II - Chapter Peasants, Zamindars and the State. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 2, Question 3: . With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

Question 3:

Examine the role played by zamindars in Mughal India.

Answer:

The zamindars were the people who did not directly participate in the processes of agricultural production, but they enjoyed high status in the society.

(i)The zamindars considered their land as their property (milkiyat). They had control to sell, give and mortage their property.

(ii)They enjoyed many social and economic privileges because of their superior status in society.

(iii)The zamindars belonged to the upper caste which added to their exalted status in society.

(iv)The zamindars rendered certain services (khidmat) for the state. As a result of their service they received and attained higher position in the state.

(v)The zamindars had the right to collect revenue on behalf of the state and also received financial compensation for this work.

(vi)The zamindars had kept strict control over the military resources of the state. They kept a fortress and a well knit armed unit comprising cavalry, artillery and infantry.

(vii)The zamindars also played significant role in developing the agricultural land. They helped in the settlements of farmers by lending them money and agricultural instruments. It resulted in an increase in agricultural produce and the sale and purchase of land by the zamindars. There are also evidences that the zamindars held bazaars. The farmers came to these bazaars to sell their crops.

(viii)If we observe social relation of village of Mughal age as a pyramid then zamindars were at the top. They occupied the highest position in the society.

(ix)No doubt the zamindars exploited the people but their relations with the farmers depended on their mutual togetherness and hereditary part on age. So, they were able to get peasants in case of the revolt against the state.

Other Questions of Chapter Peasants, Zamindars and the State

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Read this excerpt from Bernier:

Numerous are the instances of handsome pieces of workmanship made by persons destitute of tools, and who can scarcely be said to have received instruction from a master. Sometimes they imitate so perfectly articles of European manufacture that the difference between the original and copy can hardly be discerned. Among other things, the Indians make excellent muskets, and fowling- pieces, and such beautiful gold ornaments that it may be doubted if the exquisite workmanship of those articles can be exceeded by any European goldsmith. I have often admired the beauty, softness, and delicacy of their paintings.

List the crafts mentioned in the passage. Compare
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Do you think Ibn Battuta’s account is useful in arriving at an understanding of life in contemporary urban centres? Give reasons for your answer.

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Study Tips for Answering NCERT Questions:

NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:

Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about Peasants, Zamindars and the State.
Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

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