Consider the following statements regarding caste mobility in the agrarian society of the 17th century: 1. The Gauravas of Uttar Pradesh sought Rajput status. 2. Ahirs and Gujars were barred from owning land due to their caste. 3. Sadgops and Kaivartas in eastern regions were relegated to the status of untouchables. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 1 only Explanation The agrarian society of 17th-century India was not strictly static; it exhibited significant social fluidity and mobility. Economic growth, the expansion of cultivation, and the profitability of commercial crops allowed several intermediate pastoral and cultivating castes to acquire land, wealth, and higher social status, often claiming Kshatriya or Rajput lineage. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: The Gauravas were a cultivating community in Uttar Pradesh. During the 17th century, leveraging their economic strength and land ownership, they actively sought and claimed Rajput status. This was part of a broader trend where successful agrarian communities attempted to elevate their ritual status to match their economic power. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Ahirs, Gujars, and Malis were traditionally pastoral or horticultural communities. Far from being barred from land ownership, these groups were actually ascending the social hierarchy in North India during this period. The profitability of cattle rearing and horticulture allowed them to acquire land and integrate into the respectable peasantry. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: In the eastern regions (such as Bengal), intermediate pastoral and fishing castes like the Sadgops and Kaivartas were not relegated to untouchability. Instead, they acquired the status of peasants and, in some cases, landholders. This period marked their upward mobility rather than social degradation. Key Takeaway Caste Mobility in Medieval India: The 17th-century agrarian hierarchy was flexible; economic prosperity enabled intermediate castes (like Jats, Ahirs, and Sadgops) to transition from pastoralism to settled agriculture and claim higher social status (Rajputization).

NCERT Class 12 History — Chapter 4: Peasants, Zamindars and the State - Agrarian Society and the Mughal Empire (c. 16th - 17th centuries)

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Consider the following statements regarding caste mobility in the agrarian society of the 17th century:

The Gauravas of Uttar Pradesh sought Rajput status.
Ahirs and Gujars were barred from owning land due to their caste.
Sadgops and Kaivartas in eastern regions were relegated to the status of untouchables.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is
1 only

Explanation

The agrarian society of 17th-century India was not strictly static; it exhibited significant social fluidity and mobility. Economic growth, the expansion of cultivation, and the profitability of commercial crops allowed several intermediate pastoral and cultivating castes to acquire land, wealth, and higher social status, often claiming Kshatriya or Rajput lineage.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The Gauravas were a cultivating community in Uttar Pradesh. During the 17th century, leveraging their economic strength and land ownership, they actively sought and claimed Rajput status. This was part of a broader trend where successful agrarian communities attempted to elevate their ritual status to match their economic power.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Ahirs, Gujars, and Malis were traditionally pastoral or horticultural communities. Far from being barred from land ownership, these groups were actually ascending the social hierarchy in North India during this period. The profitability of cattle rearing and horticulture allowed them to acquire land and integrate into the respectable peasantry.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: In the eastern regions (such as Bengal), intermediate pastoral and fishing castes like the Sadgops and Kaivartas were not relegated to untouchability. Instead, they acquired the status of peasants and, in some cases, landholders. This period marked their upward mobility rather than social degradation.

Key Takeaway

Caste Mobility in Medieval India: The 17th-century agrarian hierarchy was flexible; economic prosperity enabled intermediate castes (like Jats, Ahirs, and Sadgops) to transition from pastoralism to settled agriculture and claim higher social status (Rajputization).

Your note

More from Chapter 4: Peasants, Zamindars and the State - Agrarian Society and the Mughal Empire (c. 16th - 17th centuries)

Which of the following crops were introduced into India from the "New World" during the 17th century? 1. Tomatoes 2. Potatoes 3. Chillies 4. Pineapple Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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In Mughal sources, which one of the following terms was used to describe a fortified place of refuge, often associated with forests and resistance?

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The terms raiyat, muzarian, and asami were used in Indo-Persian sources to denote:

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In seventeenth-century records, the Gauravas of Uttar Pradesh are noted for:

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With reference to jins-i kamil, which of the following crops were considered "perfect crops" par excellence? 1. Cotton 2. Bajra 3. Wheat 4. Oilseeds Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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Keep practising Chapter 4: Peasants, Zamindars and the State - Agrarian Society and the Mughal Empire (c. 16th - 17th centuries)

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Solution

The correct option is
1 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The Gauravas were a cultivating community in Uttar Pradesh. During the 17th century, leveraging their economic strength and land ownership, they actively sought and claimed Rajput status. This was part of a broader trend where successful agrarian communities attempted to elevate their ritual status to match their economic power.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Ahirs, Gujars, and Malis were traditionally pastoral or horticultural communities. Far from being barred from land ownership, these groups were actually ascending the social hierarchy in North India during this period. The profitability of cattle rearing and horticulture allowed them to acquire land and integrate into the respectable peasantry.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: In the eastern regions (such as Bengal), intermediate pastoral and fishing castes like the Sadgops and Kaivartas were not relegated to untouchability. Instead, they acquired the status of peasants and, in some cases, landholders. This period marked their upward mobility rather than social degradation.