Question

Begar is a _________
A.Bonded labour
B.Exploitation of children
C.Non-governmental organisation
D.Unemployed youth

Answer 1

Hint: Begar has its origin from Persia. It was a term significantly used during pre-independence but has continued down the road till date.

Complete answer: Begar is a Persian word that usually means a system of forced labour that was practised in pre-independence India. The labourers are forced to provide free services. In Sanskrit, this practice is called "Vetti-chakiri". This was a widely popular practice in the Maratha Confederacy during the Peshwa's Rule. The upper castes people in the administration forced the lower caste people to follow Begar. The upper caste people were exempted from Begar. The system was widely practised by the Britishers too. The poor Indians were forced to benefit Britishers without any payment. This practice ended in independent India as now each citizen is equal to the other.
Therefore the option "A” is the correct answer.

Note: The Constitution of India has a mention of Begar in one of the Articles as well. Under Article 23, trafficking in human beings or begar and other such similar forms of forced labour is prohibited. Any defiance to this provision is an offence and therefore punishable by the law.