Question

UPSC Prelims 2016 Question:

With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term 'Araghatta' refers to

  1. 1. bonded labour
  2. 2. land grant made to military officers
  3. 3. waterwheel used in the irrigation of land
  4. 4. wasteland converted to cultivated land

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3: waterwheel used in the irrigation of land

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

  • The term Araghatta originates from the mixture of the words 'ara' denoting spoke and 'ghatta' denoting pot. It refers to a Persian wheel which is a mechanical water lifting device operated usually by draught animals like bullocks, buffaloes or camels. It is used to lift water from water sources typically open wells.

  • Some historians point to its introduction to the early days of the Delhi Sultanate; others pin it on Babur's entry into India. One of the earliest mentions of the Persian Wheel occurs in Babur's memoirs, the Babur Nama (1526-30).

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer.

Subject: History | Mughal Empire

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