Question

Who were the Pindaris?
A)Merchants
B)Traders
C)Robbers
D)Priest

Answer 1

Hint: 1)They existed during the 18th to 19th century.
2)They received no payment which is an important characteristic.
3)They were first known during the period of Aurangzeb.

Complete answer:
Option C – Pindaris were the non-standard military element which is different from the country’s armed forces during the 18th and 19th century who escorted the Muslim as well as the Maratha army. They mainly belonged to the category of plunderers, foragers or looters who were not paid any compensation instead their loot was their reward. They were identified as horsemen, foot brigades and partially armed forces who used to deliver the position of their enemies in order to benefit the ones they accompanied.

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica the leaders of the Pindaris were Muslim leaders. During the Pindari War in the year 1817-18 the arrival of the East India Company by the

British and the collapse of the Mughal Empire the Pindaris became the main center of attraction due to their violence and power. When the Maratha Empire also fragmented the Pindaris began to loot the wealth of their own leaders in order to enrich themselves. They became popular in Central India, Gujarat and Malwa and got protection from Gwalior and Indore.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C)

Note: 1)The term Pindari is derived from the word Pinda which means an intoxicating drink.
2)The British officer Lord Hastings took the approval from the Court of Directors of East India Company to bring and to the habits of Pindaris and eliminate them.
Some of the prominent Pindari leaders were Namdar Khan, Dost Mohammad, Wasil Mohammad, Chitu Khan, Fazil Khan, and Amir Khan etc.