9. 'Gomasthas' in pre-Independent India referred to:

1. An Indian agent of the British East India Company employed to sign agreements with local labour

2. The local zamindars responsible for collection of revenue for the British treasury

3. Earliest Indian entrepreneurs that lobbied for 'Discriminating Protection' from the British

4. A union of merchants that financed the earliest Indian cotton industries

Correct Answer :

An Indian agent of the British East India Company employed to sign agreements with local labour