UPSC Prelims 2016
Medieval History Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Explore 3 solved UPSC Prelims 2016 Medieval History questions with detailed step-by-step bilingual solutions, option analysis, and answer keys.
Banjaras during the medieval period of Indian history were generally -
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — traders
Banjaras were nomadic trading communities during the medieval period who transported goods like salt, grain, and cattle across long distances using bullock caravans called tandas. They played a vital role in the internal trade network of the Indian subcontinent, moving goods between production centers and markets, and were especially important in supplying armies during military campaigns.
Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva, the ruler of Vijayanagar, consider the following statements :
- The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land.
- Private owners of workshops paid an industries tax.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — Both 1 and 2
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Krishna Deva Raya's administration implemented a systematic land revenue system where tax rates varied according to land quality, fertility, and irrigation facilities. More productive and well-irrigated lands were taxed at higher rates, while less fertile lands attracted lower levies. This differential taxation ensured equity and maximized revenue collection.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: The Vijayanagara Empire under Krishna Deva Raya imposed taxes on various economic activities beyond agriculture. Private owners of workshops and industrial establishments paid specific industry taxes (vari-vasoolu or professional taxes). These levies on artisans, weavers, blacksmiths, and other craftsmen formed an important component of the state's non-agrarian revenue.
With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term ‘Araghatta’ refers to -
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — waterwheel used in the irrigation of land
Araghatta was a traditional water-lifting device widely used in medieval India for irrigation purposes. It consisted of a large wheel fitted with pots or buckets along its rim, which were rotated by animal power (typically oxen or bullocks). As the wheel turned, the pots descended into a well or water source, filled with water, and then rose to empty the water into an irrigation channel or trough that distributed it to agricultural fields. This ingenious mechanism, also known as the Persian wheel or rahat, significantly improved agricultural productivity by enabling efficient irrigation in areas dependent on well water.
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UPSC Prelims 2016 - Medieval History Chapter-wise Distribution
Social and Economic Life in Medieval India
2 Qs (66.7%)Vijayanagara Empire
1 Qs (33.3%)UPSC Prelims 2016 - Medieval History Questions FAQs
Q1 How many Medieval History questions were asked in UPSC Prelims 2016?
Q2 What is the chapter-wise question distribution for Medieval History in UPSC Prelims 2016?
- Social and Economic Life in Medieval India: 2 questions (66.7%)
- Vijayanagara Empire: 1 questions (33.3%)