Trade, Transport and Tanda: Shifting Identities of the Banjaras - Hardcover

Manisha Choudhary

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 8193560981 ISBN 13: 9788193560983

Publisher: Manohar Publishers and Distributors, 2018

Synopsis

Language: English
Pages: 264 (29 B/W Illustrations)

About the Book
The Banjaras were primarily a nomadic group. During the reign of Alauddin Khalji they were organized to collect grains from the country-side for smooth running of the market reforms. Later, they became an indispensable part of the Mughal economy and acquired a very important role as transporters for the empire and even continued with the same status under the East India Company. Banjaras were not only the suppliers, traders or transporters they also served as the commissariat for the Mughals and John Company. The main items they transported were non-perishable goods mainly; grains and salt.
Based on Chittiyat, Arzdasht and Arshatta documents archived at Rajasthan State Archives, Bikaner and travelogues, this volume focuses not only on the role and organization of Banjaras and Tanda but also on the shifting identity of Banjaras from nomadic to criminal over a period of time. The introduction of railways in India drastically changed the fate of these born transporters of the empire. The change of regime and the introduction of a new mode of transport led to the marginalization of the Banjaras and their practical elimination from the economic activities of the subcontinent.
About the Author
Manisha Choudhary is Assistant Professor of Medieval Indian History at the Department of History, University of Delhi. The current theme of her research is based on the imperial documents pertaining to the regional history of Rajasthan. She is currently a Fellow at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla and has just completed a project entitled The Bhiti-Chitrakari Havelis of Setho ka Ramgarh and Navalgarh'.
Introduction
WRITING HISTORY INVOLVES the task of selecting a time frame. Subsequently, the theme needs to be planted firmly an

Edition details

• Publisher: Manohar Publishers and Distributors
• Publication date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 8193560981
• ISBN 13: 9788193560983
• Binding: Hardcover