Banjaras during the medieval period of Indian history were generally
Contents12
- Aagriculturists
- Bwarriors
- Cweavers
- Dtraders
Show answer
Answer: (D) traders
Answer: (d) Traders
Banjaras were the most important trader-nomads of medieval India.
Their caravans were called 'tanda.'
They transported goods (grain, salt, essentials) over long distances using bullocks.
Sultan Alauddin Khalji used Banjaras to transport grain to city markets.
Emperor Jahangir mentioned them in his memoirs.
They formed the backbone of inland trade, connecting remote villages with towns and supplying armies on the move.
Why not others?
- (a) Agriculturists
- (b) Warriors
- (c) Weavers
Banjaras were primarily known as trading nomads.
Source: NCERT Class VII - 'Towns, Traders and Craftspersons.'
Banjaras formed the backbone of medieval India's inland trade network, transporting essential goods like grain and salt across vast distances using bullock caravans called 'tanda'.
UPSC is testing whether students can distinguish between different occupational groups in medieval society and understand the crucial role of nomadic traders in the economy.
The question checks knowledge of specific communities mentioned in NCERT Class VII, where Banjaras are clearly identified as trader-nomads rather than settled agriculturalists or artisans.
Banjaras in Medieval India
Ancient And Medieval History Banjaras medieval period traders
Banjaras: The Trader-Nomads of Medieval India
Banjaras were the most important trader-nomads of medieval India
Their caravans were called 'tanda' - transported goods using bullocks
They connected remote villages with towns and supplied armies
Alauddin Khalji used them to transport grain to city markets
Banjaras were nomadic trading communities who formed the backbone of medieval India's inland trade network. Unlike settled merchants, they moved constantly with their bullock caravans, connecting distant markets and remote areas.
Banjara Trading System
Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
Caravan Name | Tanda (groups of bullock carts) |
Main Goods | Grain, salt, essentials for daily life |
Transport Method | Bullock carts over long distances |
Key Role | Inland trade between villages and towns |
Military Function | Supplied armies during campaigns |
Historical References
Sultan Alauddin Khalji (1296-1316) employed Banjaras to transport grain from countryside to Delhi's markets
Emperor Jahangir mentioned them in his memoirs 'Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri'
They were essential during military campaigns - armies depended on Banjara supplies
NCERT Class VII identifies them as key figures in medieval trade networks
Trap: Confusing Banjaras with agriculturists - they were nomadic, not settled farmers
Trap: Thinking they were warriors - they supplied armies but were traders, not soldiers
Trap: Mixing up with weavers - they transported textiles but didn't produce them
Source trap: This appears in NCERT Class VII, not higher classes
Medieval Indian Trade Communities
Ancient And Medieval History
Trade Communities in Medieval India
Medieval India had both settled merchants and nomadic traders
Banjaras dominated inland trade, Chettiars handled overseas commerce
Trade communities formed guilds ('shreni') for collective bargaining
Medieval Indian trade was organized through specialized communities, each dominating specific routes or goods. These communities developed distinct identities and trading practices.
Major Trading Communities
Community | Type | Specialization | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
Banjaras | Nomadic | Inland trade, grain, salt | All over India |
Chettiars | Settled | Overseas trade, banking | South India |
Marwaris | Settled | Money lending, textiles | Rajasthan, Gujarat |
Bohras | Settled | Trade, crafts | Gujarat, Rajasthan |
Khatris | Settled | Textiles, horses | Punjab, Northwest |
Medieval Trade Organization
# Medieval Trade System
## Nomadic Traders
- Banjaras (inland)
- Lambadas
- Dombs
## Settled Merchants
- Chettiars
- Marwaris
- Bohras
## Trade Guilds
- Shreni system
- Collective bargaining
- Quality control
## Trade Routes
- Inland networks
- Coastal shipping
- Overland to Central AsiaTrap: All medieval traders were settled - Banjaras were nomadic
Trap: Confusing Chettiars (overseas) with Banjaras (inland)
Trap: Thinking trade guilds were only in towns - rural trade networks were equally important
Alauddin Khalji's Market Reforms
Ancient And Medieval History Alauddin Khalji
Alauddin Khalji's Economic Control System
Alauddin Khalji (1296-1316) implemented strict price control in Delhi
Used Banjaras to ensure steady grain supply to urban markets
Created three separate markets: grain, cloth, and horses/slaves
Alauddin Khalji was the first Delhi Sultan to implement comprehensive market control. His system aimed to keep prices low in Delhi, especially for essential goods needed by his large army.
Grain Supply System
%%{init: {"flowchart": {"wrappingWidth": 460}}}%%
flowchart TD
s1["`**Village Production**
Farmers forced to sell grain at **fixed prices**`"]
s2["`**Banjara Transport**
**Banjaras** transported grain in their **tandas**`"]
s3["`**Delhi Markets**
Grain sold at **controlled prices** under strict supervision`"]
s4["`**Army Supply**
**Cheap food** enabled lower military salaries`"]
s1 --> s2
s2 --> s3
s3 --> s4Market Control Measures
Measure | Purpose | Implementation |
|---|---|---|
Fixed Prices | Control inflation | Death penalty for violations |
Banjara System | Grain transport | Exclusive contracts for supply |
Market Separation | Prevent black market | 3 different bazaars |
Strict Supervision | Ensure compliance | Sahna-i-Mandi (market inspector) |
Trap: Thinking this was Muhammad bin Tughluq - it was Alauddin Khalji
Trap: Confusing with token currency - that was Tughluq's failed experiment
Trap: Believing it was permanent - system collapsed after Alauddin's death
Delhi Sultanate Economic Structure
Ancient And Medieval History
Economic Features of Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526)
Economy was primarily agrarian with land revenue as main income
Iqta system - land assignments to nobles for military service
Silver tanka and copper jital were main currencies
Trade guilds regulated urban crafts and commerce
The Delhi Sultanate economy combined Islamic administrative practices with existing Indian commercial networks. Agriculture remained the foundation, but trade and crafts flourished in urban centers.
Economic Structure
# Delhi Sultanate Economy
## Agriculture
- Land revenue (Kharaj)
- Iqta system
- Peasant farming
- Irrigation works
## Trade & Crafts
- Banjaras (inland)
- Coastal trade
- Textile production
- Metal crafts
## Currency
- Silver tanka
- Copper jital
- Gold dinar (rare)
- Barter in villages
## Administration
- Diwan-i-Wizarat
- Revenue collection
- Market regulation
- Trade taxesRevenue Sources
Source | Type | Contribution | Collection Method |
|---|---|---|---|
Land Revenue (Kharaj) | Primary | 60-70% of total | Through Iqtadars/officials |
Trade Taxes | Commercial | 15-20% | At markets and ports |
Jizya | Religious | 5-10% | From non-Muslim subjects |
Zakat | Religious | 2-5% | From Muslim merchants |
Trap: Thinking Mansabdari existed - that was Mughal system, not Sultanate
Trap: Confusing Iqta with Jagir - similar but different administrative periods
Trap: Believing economy was purely Islamic - it integrated existing Indian practices