Question

Do you think the Banjaras played an important role in the economy of the time?

Answer 1

Banjaras were a nomadic tribe mainly concentrated around Rajasthan. They were referred to as trader-nomads, especially during the medieval times. Their role in the economy can be understood with the help of the following points:

(1) Market regulation system: Allauddin Khilji of the Khilji dynasty was able to run a successful market regulation system because of the banjaras who had supplied grains to city markets.

(2) Food during military campaigns: During military campaigns, the banjaras supplied food and other essentials to the Mughal army.

(3) Reference in memoirs: Even the Mughal emperor Jahangir has mentioned in his memoirs that banjaras carried grains on their bullocks from different areas and sold them in towns.