Q. With reference to the administrative structure and terminology of the Sikh Misls in the 18th century, consider the following pairs:
TerminologyFunction or Meaning
1. RakhiA protective levy (tax) demanded from villagers in return for security against aggression.
2. GurmattaA political and religious resolution passed by the Sarbat Khalsa in Amritsar.
3. JathedarThe chief or leader of an individual Misl.
4. Dal KhalsaThe assembly of all Misl chiefs for collective decision-making.
How many of the above rows are correctly matched?
Answer: C
Notes:
Explanation:
- Pair 1: Correct. Rakhi (literally ‘protection’) was a system of protection money (usually 1/5th of the produce) levied by the Misls on the inhabitants of the region they controlled.
- Pair 2: Correct. Gurmatta (Guru’s counsel) was a resolution or decree passed by the Sarbat Khalsa (General Assembly of the Khalsa) gathered at Amritsar.
- Pair 3: Correct. The leader of each Misl (armed confederacy) was known as the Jathedar.
- Pair 4: Incorrect. The Dal Khalsa was the entire combined army or military organization of all the Misls. The assembly of all Misl chiefs was the Sarbat Khalsa.
