Question

The meaning of ‘’Begar’’ is ____________________
A Free service to the master
B Non-governmental organisation
C Factory worker
D Life-long service

Answer 1

Hint:
The Begar system had been widespread since time immemorial in the Shimla and Punjab Hill states of Himachal Pradesh. When the British gained influence over India, the system existed in the states as well as in British India. In the early days, Begar was a vital part of the socio-economic life of the people living in the hillside.

Complete answer:
It seems that the begar system was well adapted to the needs and circumstances of hill states and the conditions of an agricultural society with low productivity and an underdeveloped cash economy, where money was scarce and people's resources were insufficient.

There were no wheeled conveyances in the hills. Human labour alone was thus available for ordinary reasons for example, for the transport of luggage of state officials, or for the transport of timber and grass to the state palace. The tradition, as a necessity, had grown up and had been approved by the great antiquity to the degree that all classes who cultivated the land were forced to give up, as a condition of tenure, a portion of labour for the requirements of the state or government.

Under this system, the wealthy and powerful escaped, the poor and the vulnerable had to face a double burden. The burden fell mostly on people of the lower classes and low castes, such as Koli, Chamar, Rehr, Bahri, Lohar, etc.

Begar is a practice in which the individual is required to provide services free of charge to the merchant.

Therefore, the correct answer is A

Note:
The begar system was also the cause of corruption, such as bribery in society. In families where only an adult male was present, if he decided not to give beggar on his turn, he could be exempted by bribing.