Which one among the following statements is not true of the Jajmani system ?

The Jajmani system was a traditional, non-market exchange system prevalent in Indian villages [4]. It was characterized by hereditary, reciprocal relationships between landowning patrons (Jajmans) and service-providing castes (Kamins) [1]. Historical evidence confirms its practice during the pre-colonial period, including the Mughal and medieval eras, where it ensured social security and village cohesion [3]. While colonial administrators and ethnographers later codified and systematized the framework for revenue and administrative purposes in the 19th century, they did not 'introduce' it; rather, they documented an existing ancient social structure. Furthermore, these village-level micro-exchanges were often incorporated into wider networks through which agricultural products and goods circulated across regions [4]. Therefore, the statement that it was introduced under pressure from the colonial regime is false, as the system predates British rule by centuries.

Sources

1. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 13: Cultural Setting > Caste and Village Community > p. 5
2. [4] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART II, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 8: Peasants, Zamindars and the State > Agricultural prosperity and population growth > p. 205
3. [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 13: Cultural Setting > Caste and Village Community > p. 4