With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term Araghatta refers to

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Q: 63 (IAS/2016)
With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term Araghatta refers to

question_subject: 

History

question_exam: 

IAS

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0,251,194,62,102,251,30

keywords: 

{'term araghatta': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'medieval india': [0, 0, 1, 3], 'economic history': [0, 0, 0, 2], 'irrigation': [1, 1, 0, 2], 'labour': [6, 0, 8, 23], 'land': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'land grants': [0, 0, 0, 1]}

The term "Araghatta" refers to the waterwheel used in the irrigation of land in medieval India. It was a significant technological innovation that helped farmers irrigate their fields, thereby increasing agricultural productivity. The waterwheel was also known as "Persian wheel" or "Sakia," and it was introduced in the Indian subcontinent during the Islamic period.

During the medieval period, agriculture was the primary source of livelihood for the majority of the population in India. The Araghatta played a crucial role in improving the agricultural productivity of the farmers. The waterwheel was used to lift water from a well or a river and transfer it to a higher level where it was used for irrigation purposes. This allowed farmers to cultivate crops throughout the year, even during the dry season.

The Araghatta was an essential tool for irrigation in regions with low rainfall and scarce water resources. The introduction of this technology helped in the expansion of agriculture in regions such as the Deccan plateau, where the terrain is arid and water is scarce. The use of waterwheels also facilitated the cultivation of cash crops, such as sugarcane, cotton, and indigo, which were grown for export to other countries.

In contrast, bonded labor refers to a system of forced labor, where people were forced to work without wages to pay off debts or as a form of punishment. This system was prevalent in medieval India, but it is not related to the term "Araghatta." Similarly, land grants made to military officers were known as "jagirs," and they were a part of the feudal system in medieval India. However, this system is also not related to the term "Araghatta." Finally, wasteland converted to cultivated land was a common practice in medieval India, but it does not refer to the waterwheel used in irrigation.

In conclusion, the term "Araghatta" refers to the waterwheel used in the irrigation of land in medieval India. It was a significant technological innovation that helped farmers irrigate their fields, thereby increasing agricultural productivity.