Question

The Deccan Riots of 1874-75 in Maharashtra were directed against ____________.
A. Big landlords
B. Moneylenders
C. Revenue collectors
D. British opium planters

Answer 1

Hint: The deccan riots which was in its verge in May and June 1875, saw the peasants of Maharashtra in some parts of Pune and Ahmednagar districts revolting against the increasing agrarian distress. The Deccan Riots of 1875 targeted the ill conditions of debt peonage which was also called “kamiuti” to moneylenders.

Complete answer:
Let us discuss each option individually in detail to figure out the correct answer.

Big landlords: Landlords are not necessarily moneylenders who were the prime target of these riots. Therefore, this is not the correct option.

Moneylenders: As stated in the hint, moneylenders were the prime target of these riots. Therefore, this is the correct option.

Revenue collectors: Revenue Collectors are not necessarily moneylenders who were the prime target of these riots. Therefore, this is not the correct option.

British opium planters: As stated in the hint, moneylenders were the prime target of these riots. Therefore, this is not the correct option

Hence the correct answer is option B.

Note:The rioters' primary purpose was to attain and destroy the bonds, decrees, and any other official documents which were in the possession of the moneylenders. The peasants started to attack on the moneylenders’ houses and shops systematically . They used to seize and publicly burn debt bonds and deeds which were signed under pressure by them either in ignorance or through fraud and other documents dealing with their debts. They also socially boycotted the moneylenders.