Q21 · UPSC Prelims 2020 · Set A · History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)

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With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs:1.Aurang - In-charge of treasury of the State2.Banian -Indian agent of the East India Company3.Mirasidar - Designated revenue payer to the StateWhich of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

A 1 and 2 only
B 2 and 3 only
C 3 only
D 1, 2 and 3

Correct answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Explanation

  1. A

    1 and 2 only

    1 and 2 only. Aurang is a workshop / godown for goods, not the State treasury.

  2. B

    2 and 3 only

    2 and 3 only. Banian: Indian broker of the Company. Mirasidar: hereditary revenue payer in the south. Aurang is mis-paired.

  3. C

    3 only

    3 only. Under-counts the banian.

  4. D

    1, 2 and 3

    All three. Pair 1 fails.

Summary. Official key is (b) 2 and 3 only. A banian was the Company’s Indian agent. A mirasidar was a designated revenue payer. An aurang was a depot/workshop (textiles, saltpetre), not the treasury.

Same topic · past papers

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These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.

  1. 2023 · Q50 · General Studies · 2 marks

    By which one of the following Acts was the Governor General of Bengal designated as the Governor General of India?

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