Q. Name the two types of societies of mediaeval India. How were they different from each other ❓
Answers
In many parts of the subcontinent, the society was already divided according to the rules of varna. These rules, as prescribed by the Brahmanas, were accepted by the rulers of large kingdoms. Under the Delhi Sultans and the Mughals, the hierarchy between social classes grew further.
However, there were other societies as well. Many societies in the subcontinent did not follow the social rules and rituals prescribed by the Brahmanas. Nor were they divided into numerous unequal classes. Such societies are often called tribes.
In Punjab, the Khokhar tribe was very influential during the 13th and 14th centuries.
Kamal Khan Gakkhar, of Gakkhar tribe, was a noble (mansabdar) by Emperor Akbar.
In Multan and Sind, the Langahs and Arghuns dominated extensive regions before they were subdued by the Mughals.
In the western Himalaya lived the shepherd tribe of Gaddis.
The distant north-eastern part of the subcontinent too was entirely dominated by tribes – the Nagas, Ahoms etc.
In many areas of present-day Bihar and Jharkhand, Chero, chiefdoms had emerged by the 12th century. Raja Man Singh, Akbar’s general, attacked and defeated them in 1591.
The Maharashtra highlands and Karnataka were home to Kolis[also in Gujarat], Berads etc.
South got Koragas, Vetars, Maravars etc.
Bhils spread across western and central India. By the late 16th century, many of them had become settled agriculturists and some even zamindars.