In early modern period, who was known as 'Ummal'?

The correct answer is Tax-collector.Key Points

• In the early modern period, tax collectors were known as "ummal" in Arabic.
• The word "ummal" literally means "people" or "community," but it came to be used specifically to refer to tax collectors.
• This is because tax collectors were responsible for collecting taxes from the community on behalf of the state.
• They were often seen as corrupt and oppressive, and they were often the target of popular resentment.
• The role of the tax collector in the early modern period was a complex one.
• On the one hand, they were essential to the functioning of the state.
• Taxes were a major source of revenue for the state, and tax collectors were responsible for ensuring that these revenues were collected.
• On the other hand, tax collectors were often seen as corrupt and oppressive.
• They were often accused of demanding excessive taxes, and they were often accused of using violence to collect taxes.
• The role of the tax collector in the early modern period was a source of both conflict and cooperation.
• On the one hand, tax collectors were often at odds with the people they were supposed to be collecting taxes from.
• On the other hand, tax collectors were also essential to the functioning of the state, and they often worked closely with the state to ensure that taxes were collected.
• The role of the tax collector in the early modern period is a reminder of the complex relationship between the state and the people.
• Taxes are a necessary evil, but they can also be a source of conflict and oppression.

• The tax collector is a symbol of this conflict, and they often find themselves caught in the middle.

​Therefore we conclude that in the early modern period, Tax-collector was known as 'Ummal'.

Additional Information

• Tax-payer: 
  • In the early modern period, tax-payers were known as rayats.
  • They were the common people who were required to pay taxes to the state.
  • The amount of tax they paid varied depending on their social status and the type of land they owned. 
• Zamindar: 
  • A zamindar was a large landowner who held land from the state in return for collecting taxes from the peasants who worked on the land.
  • Zamindars were often powerful and influential figures, and they played an important role in local government.
• Head of the village: 
  • The head of the village was known as Patel or Malguzar.
  • They were responsible for collecting taxes from the villagers and ensuring that the village ran smoothly.
  • Patels were often chosen from the most respected families in the village, and they were expected to be fair and just in their dealings with the villagers.