With reference to India in 18th Century, 'Gantidars' or ‘haoladars’ were
(a) Traders, specializing in the exchange of spices and silk along ancient trade routes.
(b) Village elders, tasked with resolving disputes and maintaining community harmony.
(c) Wealthy farmers, involved in money lending and local trade.
(d) Local artisans, renowned for their craftsmanship in traditional Indian textiles.

Question

With reference to India in 18th Century, 'Gantidars' or &lsquo;haoladars&rsquo; were
(a) Traders, specializing in the exchange of spices and silk along ancient trade routes.
(b) Village elders, tasked with resolving disputes and maintaining community harmony.
(c) Wealthy farmers, involved in money lending and local trade.
(d) Local artisans, renowned for their craftsmanship in traditional Indian textiles.

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Option (c) is correct: During the early 19th century in Bengal, Gantidars were influential and affluent farmers who held large tracts of land in rural areas. They were actively involved in money lending and dominated local trading markets, often exerting control over poorer farmers. Gantidars wielded significant power in the village setting, often surpassing the authority of absentee zamindars, who primarily lived in urban areas. In various parts of Bengal, Gantidars were also referred to by other titles, such as hawaladars, jotedars, or mandals.

Indian Society in the 18th Century

Roles and occupations of different groups

Website Link

Test Your Knowledge

Student Resources


E Question 1	⏱ 0
With reference to India in 18th Century, 'Gantidars' or ‘haoladars’ were (a) Traders, specializing in the exchange of spices and silk along ancient trade routes. (b) Village elders, tasked with resolving disputes and maintaining community harmony. (c) Wealthy farmers, involved in money lending and local trade. (d) Local artisans, renowned for their craftsmanship in traditional Indian textiles.