Question

The class of traders who specialized in carrying bulk goods over long distances during Mughal period were called
1. Beoparis
2. Baniks
3. Sarafs
4. Banjaras

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : Banjaras

The correct answer is Banjaras.

• Banjaras – Another class of traders specialized in carrying bulk goods, they also moved long distances with their goods on the back of oxen.
• Banjaras
  • ​The Banjara are a historically nomadic trading tribe who have origins in the Mewar region of what is now Rajasthan.
  • They are now found throughout Northwestern, Western and Southern India.
  • The Banjaras usually refer to themselves as Gor and outsiders as Kor but this usage does not extend outside their own community.
  • Their trading style is called ladeni, and they used bullock carts.
  • They transported food grain for the Mughal army during military campaigns.
  • Sultan Alauddin Khalji used the Banjaras to transport grain to the city markets.
  • Emperor Jahangir wrote in his memoirs that the Banjaras carried grain on their bullocks from different areas and sold it in towns.

•  Beoparis
  • The term Beoparis or Banik refers to retail traders. 
  • The wholesalers were called 'Seths' and the 'Bohras' and the retailers 'Beoparis' or 'Baniks'.​​