Q. Which of the following statements regarding industries and trade during the Mughal period are correct?
1.Bengal was a major manufacturing center for fine textiles (muslin and silk), sugar, and rice export.
2.Royal state workshops called Karkhanas produced luxury textiles, arms, and royal garments under the direct oversight of Mir Saman.
3.Saltpetre and Bengal textiles were major export commodities demanded by European trading companies.
4.Itinerant grain trade across the empire was conducted exclusively by the Chettiars of Tamil Nadu.
Select the answer using the code given below:
Answer: A
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Bengal was the economic heartland of textile manufacturing (Dacca muslin, raw silk), agricultural surpluses (rice, sugar), and saltpetre production.
- Statement 2 is correct: Royal Karkhanas (manufacturing workshops) produced fine shawls, weapons, embroidery, and luxury crafts for the imperial household, managed under the Mir Saman.
- Statement 3 is correct: Indian saltpetre (potassium nitrate, vital for European gunpowder production) and cotton textiles were primary exports purchased by the Dutch and English East India Companies.
- Statement 4 is incorrect: Long-distance grain transportation across Northern and Central India was managed by the Banjaras (itinerant bullock-caravan traders), not the Chettiars (who operated primarily in maritime trade in South India).
