Question

Analyse the inequalities in Medieval Indian Society.

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Establish the background of the social setup of India by giving the major classifications of society.
• Contrast the living conditions of the common people(lower) with the middle and upper class.
• Mention the social evils that existed during the Medieval period.

Solution:

The society of Medieval India was majorly divided into three groups, namely:

1. ​Upper class, consisting of ​Kings and lords.​
2. Middle class, consisting of Mansabadars and traders.​
3. Lower class, consisting ​of farmers, craftsmen, ​and slaves.

• The lower class was burdened with taxes while landlords enjoyed the luxuries.​
• Most of the farmers could not own land, oxen, and plough while the zamindars (dominant class) maintained their own castles and troops.​
• Slavery and markets exclusively for the slave trade were prevalent.​
• The hierarchy-based caste system continued from the past where ​the Brahmins enjoyed supremacy.​
• There was significant economic and cultural progress during Medieval India, but the benefits were enjoyed by only a minor section of society. The rest of the society (majority) suffered from poverty.​