MCQ: Agrarian Structure In The Post Gupta Period - 1 - UPSC MCQ

The quotation highlights the entitlement of individuals who cultivate unused land. This law states that:

• A person who transforms fallow land into arable land is entitled to its produce.
• If the owner of the land is unable to cultivate it due to reasons such as death or absence, the cultivator has rights to the land's benefits.
• This entitlement lasts for a period of seven to eight years, during which the cultivator can enjoy the produce, with a deduction of one-eighth for the landowner.

The principles outlined in the quotation were established during the late Gupta and post-Gupta period. This era was marked by significant developments in land ownership and agricultural practices.

Important archaeological evidence on the functions of Sreni can be found in several key sources:

• Indore copper plate inscription from the time of Skandagupta.
• Harisena’s prasasti located at Allahabad.
• Clay seals discovered in Bhita and Basarh.
• Remains unearthed at Arikamedu.

These findings provide valuable insights into the historical organisation and economic practices related to the Sreni, which were guilds or associations of traders and craftsmen in ancient India. Each of these inscriptions and artefacts contributes to our understanding of social and economic structures during that period.

The Malaya mountain region is known for a variety of products, but not all plants and materials thrive there.

• Saffron: This is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus. It requires a specific climate and does not grow well in the Malaya mountain region.
• Camphor: This is obtained from the wood of the camphor tree, which is found in tropical regions, including parts of Malaya.
• Pepper: Black pepper is a significant crop that thrives in the humid conditions of the Malaya mountains.
• Sandalwood: This aromatic wood is also cultivated in certain areas of the Malaya region.

In summary, while camphor, pepper, and sandalwood are products of the Malaya mountain region, saffron is not typically associated with this area.

During the post-Gupta period, a notable social group began to rise in power, challenging the traditional authority of the Brahmins.

These groups included:

• Ranakas: A warrior class that emerged, contributing to regional governance.
• Brahma Ksatras: A blend of Brahmin and Kshatriya traits, they sought to enhance their status.
• Kayasthas: A new caste, known for their administrative skills, they gained prominence.
• Gahapatis: Wealthy householders, often influential in local affairs.

Among these, the Kayasthas were especially significant, as they became key players in administration and governance. This shift indicated a broader change in social dynamics, as the Brahmins faced competition for influence and authority.

The agrarian structure of the post-Gupta period featured several distinctive characteristics. However, one aspect that stands out as not being associated with this era is the following:

• Sub-infeudation and sub-leasing of land were common practices, allowing land to be divided and leased out by various levels of landlords.
• There was a notable increase in tenancy rights for peasants, giving them more security and control over the land they worked.
• The imposition of forced labour was prevalent, often requiring peasants to work without proper compensation.
• Temples collected additional dues, which added financial burdens on the local populace.
• However, there was also an increase in mobility among artisans and peasants, which was a significant development.

Among these features, the increase in mobility of artisans and peasants is not typically associated with the agrarian structure of the post-Gupta period.

Most feudatories and land grantees possessed significant authority, which hindered the rise of imperial powers in the post-Gupta period.

• The feudatories were granted the power to maintain law and order, as well as to dispense justice independently.

• They were also expected to provide feudal levies to support the ruling king.

• Additionally, these local leaders were obliged to supply levies whenever required, based on a sense of moral obligation.

• Some feudatories had the authority to grant land without needing the king's permission.

Land grants became a common practice in India during the following period:

• In the 1st Century A.D., land grants were relatively rare.

• By the 3rd Century A.D., the frequency of land grants began to increase.

• During the 4th Century A.D., land grants became more established and widespread.

• However, it was in the 5th Century A.D. that land grants truly flourished, becoming a significant aspect of land ownership.

Overall, land grants played a vital role in shaping land tenure and economic structures in ancient India.

In the post-Gupta period, the lives of peasants were heavily impacted by several factors that contributed to their misery:

• Mandatory Labour: Peasants were sometimes forced to provide free labour, known as corvée labour, which added to their hardships.
• Land Appropriation: Feudatories often seized common lands that were vital for the peasants' survival, limiting their access to essential resources.
• Intermediaries: The introduction of numerous intermediaries between the king and the peasants created additional layers of authority, leading to confusion and exploitation.
• Heavy Taxation: Peasants were burdened with various taxes, including temple tax and goods production tax, alongside the land revenue, making it difficult to sustain their livelihoods.

These elements combined to create a challenging environment for peasants, leading to widespread suffering and instability.

The practice of land grants began during the Satavahana period. This era marked significant developments in agrarian policies and land ownership.

• The Satavahana dynasty, which ruled from around 230 BCE to 220 CE, introduced formal land grants.
• These grants were often given to religious institutions and local elites, promoting agricultural expansion.
• Land grants helped to establish a stable economy by increasing productivity.
• This practice laid the groundwork for future land ownership systems in India.

Overall, the Satavahana period was crucial for the evolution of land distribution practices.

The Agrarian system in the post-Gupta period faced significant challenges that caused distress for both the king and the peasant. Key issues included:

• The right to collect revenue became hereditary and proprietary, allowing feudatories to control revenue and land.
• A surge in the number of sub-feudatories further complicated the system.
• Feudatories, originally meant to receive revenue for life, began to appropriate land rights for themselves.
• Neither the king nor the feudatories invested in crafts or trade, leading to economic stagnation.

The primary reason for granting land to priests and officials was to address a significant social crisis that impacted the ancient social order during the 3rd and 4th centuries A.D.

• This measure aimed to provide stability in a time of turmoil.
• It was a response to the challenges faced by the existing social structure.
• By allocating land, the state sought to ensure the loyalty of these officials and priests.
• This strategy helped to maintain essential social functions amidst widespread unrest.

Overall, the decision to grant land was not merely about economic benefits but was a crucial step towards restoring order and addressing deep-rooted issues in society.

The donees of land grants were given significant rights and responsibilities.

• The donees had the authority to collect revenue from the land.

• They were also responsible for maintaining law and order in the donated areas.

• This dual role allowed them to manage the land effectively, ensuring both economic and social stability.

• In contrast, some options suggest limited roles, such as only collecting revenue or merely upholding law and order without any revenue rights.

Overall, the donees were empowered to oversee both the economic and administrative aspects of the land they were granted.

In the post-Gupta period, villages in tribal areas were granted to agriculturists. During this time, the management of these villages was primarily overseen by:

• The village headman, who was responsible for local governance.
• The tribal chief, who held authority over tribal matters.
• Royal officials, who represented the interests of the state.
• The religious beneficiaries, who often influenced community affairs.

Overall, the governance structure reflected a blend of local leadership and state oversight, aiming to maintain order and productivity.

In the post-Gupta era, the agrarian system had several characteristics:

• The entire land was not solely owned by feudatories. Instead, various landowners existed.

• The relationship between landowners and village authorities varied based on local customs and governance structures.

• To simplify land assessment, villages were organised into units of 10 in the Deccan and into 12, 16, or multiples thereof in the northern regions.

• The roles and responsibilities of royal officers regarding feudatories were not always clearly defined or adhered to.

This overview highlights the complexities of the agrarian system, illustrating that the assertion that all land was held by feudatories is incorrect.

The ruling dynasty that made the largest grants of villages to temples and Brahmanas was the Guptas. This period is notable for:

• Their extensive support for Hinduism, which included endowments to religious institutions.
• Encouragement of cultural and educational development, particularly through temple construction.
• Promotion of Brahmanical authority and societal roles, leading to the establishment of a strong religious framework.

Other dynasties, such as the Palas, Rastrakutas, and Pratiharas, also contributed to temple building and support but to a lesser extent compared to the Guptas. Their contributions were significant but did not match the scale of the grants made by the Gupta dynasty.

The agrarian economy during the post-Gupta period had several distinctive features:

• The actual cultivation of land was typically managed by peasants or sharecroppers. These individuals were attached to the land but did not own it.

• Landed beneficiaries, or landowners, generally did not engage in direct cultivation of their fields.

• These landowners were also unable to collect revenue on their own, relying on others for this task.

• Many of the Sudras worked the land primarily in roles as agricultural labourers or in servitude.

Among these statements, the claim that Sudras cultivated land mainly as slaves is not accurate, making it the incorrect assertion about the agrarian economy during this period.

Feudalism in the post-Gupta period arose from several factors, but one claim stands out as incorrect:

• The legal authorities were often unaware of the issues leading to feudalism.

• During the 3rd and 4th centuries A.D., the Puranas noted that the varnas were neglecting their assigned roles.

• To address these challenges, kings began to select intermediaries, including Brahmanas, to help manage their realms.

In summary, the first statement about legal authorities not being aware of the problem is not accurate.

The land grants by the Palas and Pratiharas reveal several important aspects of governance and social responsibility.

• The royal successors were required to uphold the terms of the grant, ensuring continuity in administration.

• There is a lack of evidence indicating that the donor instructed recipients not to harass peasants in the granted villages, raising concerns about tenant welfare.

• Villagers did not have the right to appeal to the king against the actions of the donees, which reflects a potential power imbalance in the system.

• Donors expected villagers to settle all dues and comply with the demands of the donees, indicating a burden on the local population.

The owner had a right to collect a portion of the produce, typically ranging from a third to half. This indicates a level of control over the land, but not full ownership.

The donee, or recipient of the land, did not acquire complete rights. Instead, their rights were limited, which contrasts with typical land ownership.

Initially, this grant of land was less common than the agrahara, a type of land grant provided to support religious institutions or individuals. However, over time, it became a more widespread practice.

Furthermore, the land was not granted in exchange for military services; such services were typically compensated with cash salaries. This distinction highlights the different methods of remuneration for military personnel.

The agrahara land grant system was an important aspect of ancient Indian society, particularly in relation to land ownership and privileges.

• The land could be inherited by the family of the grantee, but the king retained the authority to confiscate it if necessary.

• The king had the discretion to grant the land to anyone he chose, which indicated his absolute power.

• This system highlighted the privileged status of Brahmanas, who were often the recipients of these grants.

• Importantly, the agrahara was typically a tax-free village, benefiting the Brahmanas without financial burden.

Therefore, the statement suggesting that it was a tax-free village granted to Brahmanas is incorrect as it oversimplifies the complexities of the agrahara system.