Q. Consider the following statements with respect to agriculture during 17th century:

1. Crops, which had industrial purposes, were charged higher land revenue rate.
2. Two new crops- tobacco and maize- were introduced in the seventeenth century.
3. Bengal was a major centre for the cultivation of silk.
4. Fruits were imported from Samarqand and Bokhara in Central Asia.

Which of the above is / are correct?
Answer: All of the above
Notes: At the beginning of the 17th century, India had a diversified economy with the cultivation of a large variety of crops such as wheat, rice, gram, barley, pulses, bajra, etc. Some of the crops were used to manufacture finished goods. These goods were cotton, indigo, chay (the red dye), sugarcane, oil-seeds, etc. These crops paid land revenue at a higher rate, and had to be paid for in cash. Hence, they were often called cash crops or superior crops. So, statement 1 is correct. Peasants were always willing to adopt new crops if profitable. Thus, during the 17th century, two new crops were added- tobacco and maize. Potato and chilies were added in the 18th century. These crops were brought from the New World, most likely by the Portuguese. So, statement 2 is correct. During this period, silk import from China almost stopped. This was because silk and tusser cultivation became widespread in Bengal during this period. So, statement 3 is also correct. Mughal ruling class lived an opulent life. They were paid very high salaries and their expenses were also high. A lot of money was spent on fruits, the choicest being imported from Samarqand and Bukhara in Central Asia. So, statement 4 is also correct.