UPSC CSE Prelims
Ancient Indian Economy Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Showing solved Previous Year Questions for Chapter: Ancient Indian Economy
Topic Breakdown: Scroll →
The irrigation device called 'Araghatta' was
Detailed Explanation:
Araghatta = an ancient water-lifting wheel device. It has a large wheel with earthen pots tied to its spokes. As the wheel turns (powered by animals or people), the pots dip into water, fill up, rise, and pour out the water for irrigation.
Why other options are wrong:
| Option | Describes | Why Not Araghatta |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leather bag + pulley | Different device (simple lifting mechanism, not a wheel) |
| 3 | Large pot + bullocks | Just describes a container, not the mechanical wheel system |
| 4 | Bucket pulled by hand | Manual, no wheel mechanism |
Ancient Irrigation Devices
| Device | Description |
|---|---|
| Araghatta | Large wheel with earthen pots on spokes; lifts water mechanically (early water-wheel) |
| Picottah/Shadoof | Lever-based device — bucket on one end, counterweight on other |
| Charas/Mot | Leather bag pulled up via pulley using bullocks |
Context:
- Mentioned in ancient and medieval Indian texts
- Sometimes called the "Persian wheel" in later medieval usage (though technically distinct evolution)
- Represents an early form of mechanical irrigation technology in India
- Found referenced in inscriptions related to agriculture and irrigation systems
With reference to the guilds (Shreni) of ancient India that played a very important role in the country’s economy, which of the following statements is /are correct?
- Every guild was registered with the central authority of the State and the king was the chief administrative authority on them.
- The wages, rules of work, standards and prices were fixed by the guild.
- The guild had judicial powers over its own members.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Detailed Explanation:
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Guilds (Shrenis) were autonomous bodies headed by a chief (Jetthaka/Pramukha), not registered with central authority or directly administered by the king.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Guilds fixed wages, work rules, quality standards, and prices to regulate their respective trades and maintain market stability.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Guilds possessed judicial powers over members, settling disputes according to Shreni-dharma (customary guild laws) recognized by the state.
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