Question

Were the Banjaras important for the economy?

Answer 1

Hint: Banjaras are the nomadic tribe. They usually move long distances with their animals. They also exchange ghee, wool etc with settled agriculturalists in exchange of grains, clothes and utensils.

Complete answer:
Nomads are wandering people, they move place to place with their flocks and herds. Similarly were these traders nomads who were known as Banjaras. They were very important for the economy of the region. Their caravan was known as tanda. Sultan Alauddin Khalji used Banjaras to carry grain to the city markets.

Emperor Jahangir also mentioned about Banjaras in his memoirs that they used to carry grains on their bullocks from different areas and sold it in towns. They also transported grains to the Mughal army. Thus they played an important role in buying grains at cheap prices and carried it to the places where it was in demand. From there they again reloaded their cattle and transported grains or anything to different parts. Therefore the transportation of products was easier because of Banjaras.

Note: Apart from transporting grains, they reared and sold animals such as horses and cattle to prosperous people. They also made and sold reeds, ropes, straw matting and coarse sacks. Some also acted as entertainers to earn their livelihood.