The correct option is
A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3
Explanation
Following the decline of Mughal authority in Punjab in the 18th century, the Sikhs organized themselves into a unique political and military structure. This period saw the evolution of small bands into a confederacy (Misls) governed by collective decision-making and sustained by a specific revenue system.
Detailed Analysis:
- A. Jathas (Matches 4 - Bands of Sikhs): Initially, the Sikhs organized themselves into small bands called Jathas to fight against the Mughal governors and later the Afghan invaders. Under the leadership of Nawab Kapur Singh, these bands were reorganized into the Budha Dal (veterans) and Taruna Dal (youth), eventually evolving into the 12 Misls.
- B. Dal Khalsa (Matches 2 - Combined forces of the Sikhs): The Dal Khalsa was the grand army or the combined military force of the Sikh Misls. While the Misls operated independently in their respective territories, they united under the banner of the Dal Khalsa during times of external threat or for major campaigns.
- C. Rakhi (Matches 1 - System offering protection for tax): The Rakhi system was a transitional revenue arrangement introduced by the Sikhs. It offered protection to cultivators and villages from external aggression and local oppression in exchange for a levy, typically amounting to 20 percent of the produce.
- D. Gurmatas (Matches 3 - Resolutions of the Guru): The central decision-making process of the Sikh confederacy involved the Sarbat Khalsa (assembly of the entire community) meeting at Amritsar. The resolutions passed during these assemblies, in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib, were called Gurmatas (Resolutions of the Guru) and were binding on all Misls.
Key Takeaway:
The 18th-century Sikh polity was characterized by the Rakhi system for revenue, the Gurmatas for political consensus, and the Dal Khalsa for unified military action.