UPSC Prelims 2016 Question:

Banjaras during the medieval period of Indian history were generally

Explanation: 

• In medieval India the trading activities were very well developed and large scale trade was carried both inland and overseas. Highly specialized business communities had emerged.
  
  

• The two major business communities in medieval India were the Banjaras (long-distance transporters) and Baniyas (village and town merchants). The Banjaras combined pastoralism and the carrying trade.
  
  
• Their role in Indian agrarian commerce was extremely important. The basis for the trade and, indeed, for the existence of the Banjaras lay in conditions of inland transport. Goods were carried on boats and carts, and by camels and bullocks.
  
  
• The Banjaras operated in many parts of North India, but there were other similar traders known by different names. The Nahmardis were one such group of traders operating in Sindh. Another such nomadic traders were the Bhotiyas operating between the Himalayas and plains.
  
  

Therefore, option (4) is the correct answer.

Subject: History | Miscellaneous(hist)