BARA BANKI Meaning and
Definition
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Bara Banki is a term originating from the Indian subcontinent, specifically from the region of Uttar Pradesh in northern India. It is a compound word consisting of "bara," meaning twelve, and "banki," which refers to a matchbox. Bara Banki, therefore, roughly translates to the "twelve matchboxes" or "dozen matchboxes."
Historically, Bara Banki was a system or method of collecting revenue or taxes by colonial authorities during the British Raj in India. It involved dividing the revenue collection among twelve peers or landowners who were responsible for managing and collecting taxes from a specific area or region.
These twelve peers shared the responsibility and held authority over their allocated land. They would oversee the collection of revenue or taxes from the local population, ensuring compliance with taxation laws and maintaining an accurate record of the financial transactions. The revenue collected through the Bara Banki system was then forwarded to the colonial administration.
Over time, the term Bara Banki has also been used metaphorically to refer to a complex and intricate financial or bureaucratic system. It implies a network of interrelated entities or individuals working together for a common purpose, often involving financial transactions, record-keeping, and administrative responsibilities. The phrase may also carry connotations of hierarchy and compartmentalization, symbolized by the number twelve, which suggests a well-structured and organized system.
