With reference to the "Lathiyals", consider the following statements: 1. They were the lathi-wielding strongmen maintained by the planters. 2. They were the legal advisors of the East India Company. 3. They were often attacked by the ryots during the rebellion. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only Explanation The term "Lathiyals" is historically associated with the Indigo Revolt (1859–60) in Bengal. The European indigo planters employed a coercive system to force peasants (ryots) to cultivate indigo instead of food crops. To enforce this unjust system and terrorize the peasantry, the planters maintained private bands of armed retainers. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: The Lathiyals were the lathi-wielding strongmen (musclemen) maintained by the indigo planters. Their primary role was to physically coerce the ryots, seize their cattle, and enforce the planters' will through intimidation and violence. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Lathiyals were not legal advisors. They were essentially mercenaries or thugs employed for physical intimidation. The legal battles were fought in courts, often highlighted by the intelligentsia, but the Lathiyals operated on the ground using brute force. - Statement 3 is Correct: During the Indigo Rebellion (Neel Bidroho), the ryots organized themselves and refused to grow indigo. They armed themselves with swords, spears, bows, and arrows to resist the planters. In many instances, the ryots attacked the indigo factories and physically confronted the Lathiyals, beating them up when they came to collect rents or enforce contracts. Key Takeaway Lathiyals were the armed retainers (musclemen) of European indigo planters in Bengal, used to terrorize peasants during the Indigo Revolt (1859–60).

NCERT Class 8 History — Chapter 2: Ruling the Countryside

mcqmedium

With reference to the "Lathiyals", consider the following statements:

They were the lathi-wielding strongmen maintained by the planters.
They were the legal advisors of the East India Company.
They were often attacked by the ryots during the rebellion.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

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

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only

Explanation

The term "Lathiyals" is historically associated with the Indigo Revolt (1859–60) in Bengal. The European indigo planters employed a coercive system to force peasants (ryots) to cultivate indigo instead of food crops. To enforce this unjust system and terrorize the peasantry, the planters maintained private bands of armed retainers.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The Lathiyals were the lathi-wielding strongmen (musclemen) maintained by the indigo planters. Their primary role was to physically coerce the ryots, seize their cattle, and enforce the planters' will through intimidation and violence.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Lathiyals were not legal advisors. They were essentially mercenaries or thugs employed for physical intimidation. The legal battles were fought in courts, often highlighted by the intelligentsia, but the Lathiyals operated on the ground using brute force.
Statement 3 is Correct: During the Indigo Rebellion (Neel Bidroho), the ryots organized themselves and refused to grow indigo. They armed themselves with swords, spears, bows, and arrows to resist the planters. In many instances, the ryots attacked the indigo factories and physically confronted the Lathiyals, beating them up when they came to collect rents or enforce contracts.

Key Takeaway

Lathiyals were the armed retainers (musclemen) of European indigo planters in Bengal, used to terrorize peasants during the Indigo Revolt (1859–60).

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Ruling the Countryside

With reference to the Permanent Settlement introduced in 1793, consider the following statements: 1. It was introduced by Governor-General Warren Hastings. 2. The rajas and taluqdars were recognised as zamindars. 3. The revenue demand was fixed permanently and could not be increased in the future. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the "Mahalwari Settlement", consider the following statements: 1. It was devised by Holt Mackenzie and came into effect in 1822. 2. It was primarily introduced in the Madras and Bombay Presidencies. 3. The charge of collecting revenue was given to the zamindar rather than the village headman. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the Ryotwari system, consider the following statements: 1. It was developed by Thomas Munro and extended all over south India. 2. It was based on the argument that powerful traditional zamindars existed in the south. 3. The settlement was made directly with the cultivators (ryots). Which of the statements given above are correct?

easy

easy

Why did European cloth manufacturers in the 13th-17th centuries depend on 'woad' instead of 'indigo' for making blue dyes? 1. Indigo was not known to Europe at that time. 2. Woad was more easily available in Europe as it grew in temperate zones. 3. Indigo prices were very high and supplies were small. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

medium

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The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The Lathiyals were the lathi-wielding strongmen (musclemen) maintained by the indigo planters. Their primary role was to physically coerce the ryots, seize their cattle, and enforce the planters' will through intimidation and violence.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Lathiyals were not legal advisors. They were essentially mercenaries or thugs employed for physical intimidation. The legal battles were fought in courts, often highlighted by the intelligentsia, but the Lathiyals operated on the ground using brute force.
Statement 3 is Correct: During the Indigo Rebellion (Neel Bidroho), the ryots organized themselves and refused to grow indigo. They armed themselves with swords, spears, bows, and arrows to resist the planters. In many instances, the ryots attacked the indigo factories and physically confronted the Lathiyals, beating them up when they came to collect rents or enforce contracts.

Key Takeaway

Lathiyals were the armed retainers (musclemen) of European indigo planters in Bengal, used to terrorize peasants during the Indigo Revolt (1859–60).