Who among the following is called as a 'rayat'?

The Correct answer is Peasant.

Key Points

• The term 'rayat' refers to a peasant or agricultural worker.
• In historical contexts, particularly during the Mughal era in India, the term 'rayat' was used for farmers who worked on the land.
• Rayats were responsible for paying agricultural taxes to the ruling authorities or zamindars.
• The term is derived from Arabic, meaning inhabitant or subject.
• In the British colonial period, the term continued to be used in the context of agrarian administration and land revenue systems.

 Additional Information

• Mughal
  • The Mughal Empire was a significant empire in the Indian subcontinent, known for its rich culture and architecture.
  • The term 'rayat' was used during the Mughal era but referred specifically to peasants, not the rulers themselves.
• Zamindar
  • Zamindars were landowners or aristocrats who collected taxes from peasants.
  • They played a crucial role in the agrarian economy by overseeing the agricultural activities on their lands.
• Sultan
  • The term Sultan refers to a ruler or king, often used in the context of Islamic empires.
  • Sultans were not directly involved in agricultural activities but were the sovereign authorities.