Royal authority declined from the 5th century onwards because of one f...
The decline of royal authority from the 5th century onwards can largely be attributed to the widespread practice of land grants, particularly tax-free villages given to Brahmanas and officials. These grants often came with administrative and judicial rights, leading to a fragmentation of central authority. Over time, local power shifted into the hands of these beneficiaries, weakening the royal control over land and governance. The system of granting land to intermediaries reduced the direct influence of the king, as these grantees collected taxes and maintained law and order independently, contributing to the overall decline of centralized royal power.
Royal authority declined from the 5th century onwards because of one f...
Decline of Royal Authority in the 5th Century
Introduction:
The decline of royal authority in India from the 5th century onwards can be attributed to various factors. However, one fundamental reason for this decline was the granting of tax-free villages and land grants to the Brahmanas and other beneficiaries.
Explanation:
The decline of royal authority can be understood through the following points:
1. Granting of Tax-Free Villages:
- The kings began granting tax-free villages to the Brahmanas. This meant that these villages were exempt from paying taxes to the royal treasury.
- By granting tax-free villages, the kings effectively surrendered their authority to collect taxes from these areas.
- This led to a decline in the revenue of the royal treasury and weakened the financial power of the kings.
2. Land Grants to Brahmanas and Officials:
- Along with tax-free villages, the Brahmanas and officials were also given land grants.
- These land grants provided the beneficiaries with a source of income and economic stability.
- The beneficiaries could cultivate the land themselves or hire peasants or share-croppers to cultivate the land on their behalf.
- This further reduced the revenue of the royal treasury as the kings lost control over these lands and the taxes that could have been collected from them.
3. Loss of Control over Law and Order:
- The Brahmanas and others not only collected taxes but also maintained law and order in the villages.
- This meant that the royal authority lost its control over the administration of justice and law enforcement in these areas.
- The Brahmanas acted as intermediaries between the king and the villagers, effectively reducing the direct influence of the king in the villages.
Impact:
The granting of tax-free villages and land grants to the Brahmanas and other beneficiaries had significant consequences:
- The decline in revenue weakened the financial power of the kings, making them dependent on the goodwill and support of the Brahmanas.
- The loss of control over law and order diminished the authority of the king in the villages, leading to the decentralization of power and the rise of local elites.
- The Brahmanas and other beneficiaries, who held economic and administrative power, gained significant influence and played a crucial role in shaping the socio-political landscape.
Conclusion:
The granting of tax-free villages and land grants to the Brahmanas and other beneficiaries played a fundamental role in the decline of royal authority from the 5th century onwards. This shift in power dynamics led to the weakening of the kings' financial power, loss of control over law and order, and the rise of local elites.
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