Q. With reference to Sher Shah’s infrastructure and justice reforms, consider the following:
Reform/TermFeature / Function
1. SaraiState-maintained rest houses constructed along the major highways for the use of traders, pilgrims, and officials.
2. Waqai-NawisThe official responsible for ensuring law and order in the villages, often held accountable for local crimes.
3. Grand Trunk RoadThe famous highway connecting Sonargaon (Bengal) to the Indus River, built to facilitate trade and rapid military movement.
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
Answer: B
Notes:
Explanation:
- Pair 1: Correct. Sarais (rest houses/inns) were established every 8 km along the roads, serving as trade networks and administrative centers.
- Pair 2: Incorrect. The Waqai-Nawis was a news writer or reporter, whose role was intelligence and documentation. The village headman (Muqaddam or Chaudhari) was held accountable for local crimes (“Principle of Local Responsibility”).
- Pair 3: Correct. The Grand Trunk Road (rebuilt and expanded by Sher Shah) connected the Bengal border to the Indus, and it was crucial for integrating his empire.
