AI-generated practice question — model-generated for extra practice, not a previous-year CBSE board question.
Earlier supply merchants lived within weaving villages and shared long-term social bonds with weavers. They understood local needs, helped weavers in times of crisis, and allowed some flexibility in bargaining.
The Company-appointed gomasthas, however, were outsiders with no social ties to the village. They behaved arrogantly, arrived with sepoys and peons, and physically punished weavers for delays. Moreover, the system of advances tied weavers exclusively to the Company — they could not sell to other buyers or bargain for better prices. The combination of coercive behaviour and loss of economic freedom caused serious conflict.
Source: Chapter 4, Section 3.2 — What Happened to Weavers?
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The examiner wants you to contrast two specific differences: (1) social relationship — merchants were insiders vs. gomasthas were outsiders, and (2) economic control — merchants allowed bargaining vs. gomasthas used the advance system to bind weavers. Both points are needed for full marks. Quoting key textbook phrases like "outsiders," "sepoys and peons," and "miserably low prices" signals you've read the source carefully. Avoid writing a general essay about the Company — stay focused on the comparison.