UPSC Prelims 2016 Q88: Medieval History – Medieval Administration & Socio - Economic Institutions
With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term ‘Araghatta’ refers to
- (a) bonded labour
- (b) land grants made to military officers
- (c) waterwheel used in the irrigation of land
- (d) wasteland converted to cultivated land
Answer: (c) waterwheel used in the irrigation of land
Explanation
Araghatta
The araghatta was a waterwheel used to lift water for irrigation.
The word joins ara (spoke) and ghatta (pot).
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Design | Pots tied to the rim of a wheel, which dips into a well or tank |
| Worked by | People or animals |
| Later form | The geared Persian wheel (saqiya), common from the Sultanate period |
| Babur | Described water-lifting wheels of Punjab in the Baburnama |
The options checked:
| Option | Actual term |
|---|---|
| (a) Bonded labour | Vishti (forced labour) |
| (b) Land grants made to military officers | Iqta or jagir |
| (c) Waterwheel used in the irrigation of land | Araghatta |
| (d) Wasteland converted to cultivated land | Not this term |
Answer: (c) waterwheel used in the irrigation of land.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Bonded labour or forced labour was called vishti, not araghatta.
- (b) Incorrect. Land grants made to military officers were iqtas or jagirs.
- (c) CORRECT. Araghatta was a waterwheel used in the irrigation of land.
- (d) Incorrect. It does not mean wasteland converted to cultivated land.
Key point
Araghatta (ara = spoke, ghatta = pot): waterwheel for lifting irrigation water in early medieval India; forerunner of the Persian wheel.
Remember
Araghatta = waterwheel for irrigation.
Common mistakes
- Guessing a land term because most medieval economic terms concern land.
- Confusing the araghatta with the geared Persian wheel that came later.
- Not using the clue in the word: ghatta means pot.
Exam tip
Ghatta or ghat = pot. A wheel of pots lifts water.
Sources
- Irfan Habib — Technology in Medieval India
- NCERT Class VII — Our Pasts II (Delhi Sultans and Mughal period agriculture)