Consider the following statements regarding the Ahom census and population management: 1. A census of the population was taken. 2. The population remained static in their ancestral lands without any forced migration. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (a) 1 only Explanation The Ahom state (1228–1826 CE) in present-day Assam was a centralized state that relied heavily on a system of forced labour known as the Paik system. The administration was organized to ensure the availability of labour for the state, military service, and public works. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: To manage the Paik system effectively, the Ahom administration conducted a detailed census of the population. This census determined the number of able-bodied men available for service. Based on these records, each village was required to send a specific number of paiks by rotation to serve the state. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The population did not remain static in ancestral lands. A key strategy of the Ahom administration was to shift people from heavily populated areas to less populated places. This forced migration served two purposes: it balanced the population distribution for economic development (agriculture) and broke up the power of the old Ahom clans, thereby centralizing the king's authority. Key Takeaway The Ahom state was based on the Paik system (forced labour), which necessitated a regular census and involved the strategic relocation of population to break clan cohesion and ensure uniform development.

NCERT Class 7 History — Chapter 5: Tribes, Nomads and Settled Communities

mcqmedium

Consider the following statements regarding the Ahom census and population management:

A census of the population was taken.
The population remained static in their ancestral lands without any forced migration.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (a) 1 only

Explanation

The Ahom state (1228–1826 CE) in present-day Assam was a centralized state that relied heavily on a system of forced labour known as the Paik system. The administration was organized to ensure the availability of labour for the state, military service, and public works.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: To manage the Paik system effectively, the Ahom administration conducted a detailed census of the population. This census determined the number of able-bodied men available for service. Based on these records, each village was required to send a specific number of paiks by rotation to serve the state.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The population did not remain static in ancestral lands. A key strategy of the Ahom administration was to shift people from heavily populated areas to less populated places. This forced migration served two purposes: it balanced the population distribution for economic development (agriculture) and broke up the power of the old Ahom clans, thereby centralizing the king's authority.

Key Takeaway

The Ahom state was based on the Paik system (forced labour), which necessitated a regular census and involved the strategic relocation of population to break clan cohesion and ensure uniform development.

Your note

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The correct option is (a) 1 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: To manage the Paik system effectively, the Ahom administration conducted a detailed census of the population. This census determined the number of able-bodied men available for service. Based on these records, each village was required to send a specific number of paiks by rotation to serve the state.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The population did not remain static in ancestral lands. A key strategy of the Ahom administration was to shift people from heavily populated areas to less populated places. This forced migration served two purposes: it balanced the population distribution for economic development (agriculture) and broke up the power of the old Ahom clans, thereby centralizing the king's authority.