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Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the ‘Hundi’ generally referred to in the sources of the post-Harsha period?

(a)

An advisory issued by the king to his subordinates

(b)

A diary to be maintained for daily accounts

(c)

A bill of exchange

(d)

An order from the feudal lord to his subordinates

Correct Answer

(c)

Explanation

Hundis refer to financial instruments evolved on the Indian sub-continent used in trade and
credit transactions. They were used
• as remittance instruments (to transfer funds from one place to another),
• as credit instruments (to borrow money),
• for trade transactions (as bills of exchange).
Technically, a Hundi is an unconditional order in writing made by a person directing another to pay a certain sum of money to a person named in the order.
Therefore, the correct answer is (c).