In the context of Ancient history of India, Gramabhojakas andGrihapatt...
Justification & Learning: In the northern part of the country, the village
headman was known as the grama bhojaka.
• Usually, men from the same family held the position for generations
(post was hereditary).
• The grama bhojaka was often the largest landowner. Generally, he
had slaves and hired workers to cultivate the land.
• Besides, as he was powerful, the king often used him to collect taxes
from the village. He also functioned as a judge, and sometimes as a
policeman.
• Apart from the gramabhojaka, there were other independent
farmers, known as grihapatis, most of whom were smaller
landowners.
• And then there were men and women such as the dasa karmakara,
who did not own land, and had to earn a living working on the fields
owned by others.
Q Source: Page 89: NCERT 6th History: Our Pasts-I
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In the context of Ancient history of India, Gramabhojakas andGrihapatt...
Ancient History of India: Gramabhojakas and Grihapattis
Introduction:
In the context of the ancient history of India, Gramabhojakas and Grihapattis played significant roles in the village administration and agricultural practices. Let's explore their roles and responsibilities in detail.
Gramabhojakas:
- Gramabhojakas were the village headmen during ancient times in India.
- They were responsible for the overall administration and governance of the village.
- Gramabhojakas acted as intermediaries between the local community and the ruling authorities.
- They collected taxes, maintained law and order, and resolved disputes within the village.
- Gramabhojakas were also responsible for overseeing the welfare and development of the village.
Grihapattis:
- Grihapattis were independent farmers in ancient India.
- They owned and cultivated their land, which was usually smaller in size compared to the larger landlords.
- Grihapattis were considered as the backbone of the agricultural system in the village.
- They played a crucial role in the production of food grains and other agricultural products.
- Grihapattis were responsible for managing their households, including the welfare of their families and the upkeep of their lands.
Differences:
- Gramabhojakas were village headmen, while Grihapattis were independent farmers.
- Gramabhojakas were involved in the administration and governance of the village, while Grihapattis focused primarily on agricultural activities.
- Gramabhojakas had a broader scope of responsibilities, including tax collection and dispute resolution, while Grihapattis mainly focused on cultivating their lands and ensuring agricultural productivity.
Conclusion:
In the context of ancient India, Gramabhojakas and Grihapattis held distinct roles and responsibilities in the village. While Gramabhojakas were village headmen involved in the overall administration, Grihapattis were independent farmers who played a vital role in agricultural practices. Understanding the roles of these individuals provides insights into the socio-political and economic dynamics of ancient Indian society.
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