NIMCET 2015 — English PYQ

Directions : The proud warrior class of the samurai (meaning "those who serve") grew from a band of mercenaries hired by feudal landowners in the 11th century to win them the control of Honshu, Japan's main island. These mercenaries lived by the cult of the sword, worshipping athletic prowess and martial skills. They developed a fierce loyalty to their masters and a fearlessness that made them formidable adversaries. They fought in elaborate armour, wielding their most prized possession, a double-edged sabre with which they could cut a man in half.
Later the spartan principles of Zen Buddhism, with its love of nature softened their fighting zeal. It became fashionable for them to live sparce and frugal lives during the Kamakura era (1192-1333), when the ruling warrior family Minamato moved their seat to power of the eastern city of Kamakura.

Who are usually referred to as mercenaries?