The Artisans' Miras or Watan in Maharashtra

The place where the lands became the artisans' Miras or Watan was Maharashtra. Miras or Watan was a hereditary holding of land that was given to artisans who were skilled in their respective craft. It was a part of the Maratha kingdom's social policy of encouraging and supporting the artisans who were vital to the economy and society.

The Significance of Miras or Watan

The Miras or Watan system was significant because it provided economic security to the artisans and their families. It ensured that the skilled artisans who were essential to the production of goods were not exploited or deprived of their livelihood. The system also ensured that the knowledge and skills of the artisans were passed down from generation to generation.

The Miras or Watan System in Maharashtra

The Miras or Watan system was prevalent in Maharashtra, particularly in the Konkan region. The artisans who were given Miras or Watan were involved in various crafts such as weaving, carpentry, blacksmithing, and pottery. The land given to them as part of the Miras or Watan system was called a Watan. The artisans who received the Watan were responsible for paying taxes to the state in exchange for the land.

The Legacy of the Miras or Watan System

The Miras or Watan system was a unique feature of the Maratha kingdom's social and economic policies. It provided economic security and stability to the artisans who were essential to the production of goods. The legacy of the Miras or Watan system can still be seen in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, where the artisans continue to practice their crafts and pass down their knowledge and skills to the next generation.