Part of: Maharashtra Gk set 61

The ..... paragana had 290 villages.

Category: Maharashtra Gk

Hint: Consider the historical administrative divisions of Maharashtra and the number of villages

Correct Answer: C) Pune

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The paragana system was a significant administrative division used in the Indian subcontinent, particularly during the Mughal era. This system was a hierarchical structure where the empire was divided into provinces (subahs), which were further divided into districts (sarkars), and these districts were subdivided into paraganas. Each paragana was a group of villages, and the number of villages within a paragana varied depending on the region and historical context.

In the context of Maharashtra, the paragana system was an essential part of the administrative structure. The Pune paragana, in particular, was known to have 290 villages. This number is significant because it reflects the size and importance of the Pune region during that period. The paragana system was not only a means of administrative division but also played a role in the collection of revenue and the maintenance of law and order.

Understanding the paragana system and the number of villages within each paragana is crucial for comprehending the historical administrative divisions of Maharashtra. The Pune paragana, with its 290 villages, was a notable example of this system. This information is often tested in competitive examinations such as the UPSC, SSC, and State PSC, where knowledge of historical administrative divisions is essential.

It is important to note that the number of villages in a paragana could vary significantly. For instance, while the Pune paragana had 290 villages, other paraganas might have had a different number of villages. This variation reflects the diverse nature of the regions and the administrative strategies employed during the Mughal era.

Common misconceptions include confusing the number of villages with other administrative divisions or regions, misremembering the specific number of villages associated with each paragana, and not being familiar with the historical administrative divisions of Maharashtra. To avoid these mistakes, it is essential to study the historical context and the specific details of the paragana system in Maharashtra.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Mumbai is not the correct answer because the historical paragana system did not associate 290 villages with Mumbai. Mumbai was a significant port city but did not have a paragana with this specific number of villages.
  • Option B: Nagpur is incorrect as the historical records do not indicate that the Nagpur paragana had 290 villages. Nagpur was an important city but had a different number of villages in its paragana.
  • Option C: Pune is the correct answer because historical records show that the Pune paragana had 290 villages. This information is crucial for understanding the administrative divisions of Maharashtra during the Mughal era.
  • Option D: Shirwal is not the correct answer because the Shirwal paragana did not have 290 villages. Shirwal was a smaller administrative division and did not match the specific number of villages mentioned in the question.

Mnemonic: Pune's 290: Remember the number of villages in Pune's paragana.

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