Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

The nai-dhobi bandh was a social boycott organised by panchayats in Awadh to deprive landlords of the services of barbers and washermen. This reveals that:

1. Collective social power: Even without weapons, ordinary villagers could unite and use everyday services as tools of pressure.
2. Economic leverage: Denying basic domestic services disrupted the landlords' daily life, showing peasants held real economic influence.
3. Organised resistance: The panchayat coordinated this protest, proving rural communities had structured leadership capable of sustained, non-violent action against oppressive talukdars.

Thus, peasants exercised significant social and economic power through organised, peaceful means.

Source: Rebellion in the Countryside, Chapter 2

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The examiner wants you to explain what nai-dhobi bandh means, then link it to social/economic power (not armed power). Three clear points are ideal for 3 marks. Avoid vague statements — be specific: services denied = barbers and washermen; organised by = panchayats; target = talukdars/landlords. The textbook passage directly supports all these points, so don't go beyond it.