With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs:

1. Aurang – In-charge of treasury of the State
2. Banian – Indian agent of the East India Company
3. Mirasidar – Designated revenue payer to the State

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

• Aurang was a Persian term referred to as a warehouse.
• It is a place where goods are collected before being sold.
• The term also refers to a workshop. Hence Pair 1 is not Correct.
• The term banian means merchant.
• The banian was engaged by an individual western merchant or a firm to work for them as a broker, interpreter, and agent. Hence Pair 2 is Correct.
• Under the ryotwari settlement system, the government recognized mirasidars as the sole proprietors of land.
• They acted as the Designated revenue payer to the State.Hence Pair 3 is Correct.