UPSC Prelims 2000 Q41: Medieval History – Medieval Administration & Socio - Economic Institutions
- (a) I - C, II - B, III - A, IV - D
- (b) I - B, II - C, III - D, IV - A
- (c) I - B, II - C, III - A, IV - D
- (d) I - C, II - B, III - D, IV - A
Answer: (b) I - B, II - C, III - D, IV - A
Explanation
Land-revenue assignments and the states that used them
| Term | State |
|---|---|
| Iqta | Delhi Sultans — revenue assignment to officers (Iltutmish onward) |
| Jagir | Mughals — salary assignment to mansabdars |
| Amaram | Vijayanagara — land given to nayakas (amaranayakas) for military service |
| Mokasa | Marathas — village or revenue share granted for service |
Each term names a grant of land revenue in return for service:
The iqta was the Delhi Sultanate's system, organised by Iltutmish, under which muqtis collected revenue to pay troops.
The jagir was the Mughal salary assignment held by mansabdars.
The amaram was land given to the amaranayakas (nayakas) of Vijayanagara for maintaining troops.
The mokasa was a Maratha grant of revenue to chiefs and officers.
So the match is I-B, II-C, III-D, IV-A.
Answer: (b) I - B, II - C, III - D, IV - A.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. It gives the iqta to the Mughals and the jagir to the Delhi Sultans, and puts amaram with the Marathas.
- (b) CORRECT. Iqta-Sultans, jagir-Mughals, amaram-Vijayanagara, mokasa-Marathas.
- (c) Incorrect. Amaram is Vijayanagara's and mokasa the Marathas', not the other way round.
- (d) Incorrect. Iqta and jagir are swapped.
Key point
Iqta (Sultanate) → jagir (Mughal); amaram (Vijayanagara); mokasa (Maratha).
Remember
Iqta-Sultanate, jagir-Mughal, amaram-Vijayanagara, mokasa-Maratha.
Common mistakes
- Swapping iqta and jagir, which are similar ideas.
- Giving amaram to the Marathas because of southern-sounding names.
- Not knowing that amaranayaka comes from amaram.
Exam tip
Amaram → amaranayaka → Vijayanagara.
Sources
- Satish Chandra — Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals (Har-Anand)
- NCERT — Themes in Indian History Part II, Class XII, chapter 'An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara'