Explanations:The balutedars were agricultural laborers in Odisha who were paid in kind rather than in cash. This system was a reflection of the agrarian and barter-based economy that was prevalent in rural areas of Odisha. The term "balutedar" refers to a type of agricultural laborer who worked on land owned by others, typically zamindars or landlords. The payment system for balutedars was not based on monetary transactions but rather on the exchange of goods and services.
In the context of rural Odisha, the economy was largely agrarian, and the barter system was a common method of exchange. This system involved the direct exchange of goods and services without the use of money. For balutedars, their payment often included food grains, which were a staple of the rural diet, and other household items such as pots. These items were essential for the sustenance and daily needs of the laborers and their families.
The payment in kind was a practical solution in a society where cash was not widely available or used. It ensured that the laborers received the necessary items to support their families, and it also helped to maintain the agricultural cycle by providing the laborers with the means to sustain themselves. This system was deeply rooted in the social and economic structure of rural Odisha and was a reflection of the broader agrarian economy.
It is important to understand that the payment system for balutedars was not unique to Odisha but was a common practice in many agrarian societies. The use of food grains and household items as a form of payment was a practical and sustainable method that aligned with the economic and social norms of the time. This system also helped to strengthen the bond between the laborers and the landowners, as it created a mutual dependency that was essential for the functioning of the agricultural economy.
Therefore, the correct answer is that balutedars were paid in food grains, pots, and other household items, reflecting the barter-based economy of rural Odisha. This payment system was a practical and sustainable method that was deeply integrated into the social and economic fabric of the region.