Q. With reference to the economic terminologies and practices of the Vijayanagar Empire, consider the following pairs:
TerminologyMeaning / Context
1. VarahaThe main gold currency, also known as the Huna by the Bahamani Sultanate.
2. KadamaiThe fundamental form of land revenue collected from the cultivators.
3. UlagaiA form of forced labour or corvée exacted from the peasantry for public works.
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
Answer: B
Notes:
Explanation:
- Pair 1: Correct. The Varaha (or Pagoda) was the standard gold coin of Vijayanagar and was indeed referred to as the Huna in other Deccan kingdoms, confirming its widespread acceptance.
- Pair 2: Correct. Kadamai was the most common and significant term used for the land tax, which was the backbone of the state’s revenue.
- Pair 3: Incorrect. Ulagai was a term used for the land grant given to service-tenure holders (like temple servants or artisans), often hereditary. The term for forced labour/corvée was typically Vetti.
