Consider the following statements:
- 1. The early Sikh Gurus were religious preachers and did not interfere in politics but Guru Arjan extended his good wishes for the rebel prince Khusrau.
- 2. Guru Arjan attempted to organize the finances by introducing the system of more or less compulsory tribute’ to be collected by his agents called Masands.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Answer is Wrong!
Answer is Right!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2021
Statement 2 is also correct. Guru Arjan Dev played a crucial role in organizing the Sikh community’s finances. He systematized the collection of Dasvandh (a tenth of one’s income), which Sikhs were encouraged to contribute. He appointed Masands (local representatives) in different areas to collect these contributions and forward them to the Guru. While initially a voluntary contribution, the system developed into a structured and expected form of collection, which some later described as ‘more or less compulsory tribute’.