Write Short Notes on Any Two of the Following
1. Manors
Manors were large estates in medieval Europe that were owned by nobles or lords. They were the basic unit of rural economy and society under the feudal system. Each manor included the lord’s house or castle, a village where peasants lived, farmland, a church, and sometimes a mill or bakery. The lord ruled the manor and provided protection to the peasants who worked the land.
Peasants or serfs lived on the manor and farmed the land. In return, they had to give a part of their produce to the lord and also perform free labor. They were not allowed to leave the manor without the lord’s permission. Manors were mostly self-sufficient, meaning they produced everything they needed. This made trade less important during early medieval times.
Manors played a key role in the feudal system. They helped maintain the social structure, economy, and law in medieval times. Over time, as towns and trade grew, the importance of manors declined.
2. Banjaras
Banjaras were a nomadic trading and transport community in medieval India. They were known for carrying goods across long distances using large groups of bullocks, camels, or carts. The Banjaras played a crucial role in trade and transportation during ancient and medieval times when there were no railways or modern roads.
They moved in groups and carried goods like salt, grains, spices, and clothes from one region to another. They were very skilled in managing routes and knew where to find water and food along the way. In times of war, even kings and armies depended on Banjaras to supply food and other needs.
Though they were important in economic terms, they often lived outside regular village society. They had their own customs and leaders. Today, Banjaras are recognized as a traditional community with a rich culture, music, and dress, but in earlier times, they were among the key drivers of commerce and supply in India.