UPSC Prelims 2016 Question:

With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term 'Araghatta' refers to

Explanation:

• The term Araghatta originates from the mixture of the words 'ara' denoting spoke and 'ghatta' denoting pot. It refers to a Persian wheel which is a mechanical water lifting device operated usually by draught animals like bullocks, buffaloes or camels. It is used to lift water from water sources typically open wells.
  
  
• Some historians point to its introduction to the early days of the Delhi Sultanate; others pin it on Babur's entry into India. One of the earliest mentions of the Persian Wheel occurs in Babur's memoirs, the Babur Nama (1526-30).
  
  

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer.

Subject: History | Mughal Empire