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Indian Feudalism in Early Medieval Period | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

  • The early medieval period in India was marked by significant changes and developments in various aspects of society, economy, polity, and agriculture.
  • One of the most noteworthy transformations during this time was the expansion of the land grants system, which Marxist historians often cite to support the theory of 'Indian Feudalism.'

Feudalism:

  • Feudalism involves the establishment of superior rights over land, which serves as the basis for appropriating a portion of the produce and acquiring various other rights related to the land and its inhabitants.
  • The superior rights granted to beneficiaries create a hierarchy, bestowing the status of overlord upon them and establishing a subordinate status for the peasantry.
  • This dynamic leads to the development of a typical agrarian structure characterized by an overlord-subordinate relationship.

Indian Feudalism in Early Medieval Period | History Optional for UPSC (Notes)

Features

System based on land and land rights.

  • Superior rights of feudal lords were the basis for appropriating revenue.
  • Feudal lords held proprietary rights and hereditary rights on land.
  • Feudal lords had administrativejudicialmilitary, and fiscal powers.
  • Rise of Jayaskandhavaras, or victory army camps, which served as politico-military centers.
  • Feudal titles such as ThakurRajaRao, and Rauts were common among lords.
  • Practice of sub-infeudation, where lands were granted with conditions.
  • Hierarchical landed intermediaries included vassals, state officers, and other secular assignees with military obligations and feudal titles.
  • These intermediaries often sub-infeudated land to cultivate it, leading to the growth of various strata of intermediaries.
  • Indian feudalism was characterized by unequal distribution of land and its produce.
  • Vishti, or forced labor, was prevalent, with the right to extract it held by Brahmanas and other land grantees.
  • Initially a prerogative of the King or state, the right to forced labor was transferred to grantees, petty officials, and village authorities.
  • In Chola inscriptions, there are numerous references to forced labor.
  • Peasants and artisans were also subject to vishti, leading to a form of serfdom where agricultural laborers became semi-serfs.
  • Rights of peasants over land declined as rulers and intermediaries claimed greater rights.
  • Many peasants were reduced to tenants facing eviction threats, and some became ardhikas, or sharecroppers.

Economic Implications of Feudalism

New Land Distribution and Agrarian Structure:

  • Emergence of a new land distribution system with a different class of landlords and a distinct hierarchy in land ownership.
  • Development of a new agrarian structure and relations, indicating a shift in how land and agricultural responsibilities are organized.
  • Transition to a land-based economy with agriculture becoming the dominant feature of the economy.
  • Growth of the village or rural economy with agriculture at its core, reflecting a shift towards rural self-sufficiency.
  • Rise of a closed economy where self-sufficiency is crucial, as noted by R.S. Sharma, indicating a move towards feudalism.
  • Decline of urban centers and urban economies, with a shift in focus towards rural and agrarian activities.

Political Implications of Feudalism:

  • The political structure became rooted in land ownership, with power and authority derived from land and land relationships.
  • A hierarchy of feudal lords emerged, creating a structured pyramid of authority with the king at the top and peasants at the base.
  • Bureaucracy lost its relevance as the feudal system took precedence.
  • The standing army was gradually replaced by a feudal army, reflecting the changing nature of military organization.
  • This period also saw a trend of political decentralization, with power becoming more localized and based on land-vassal relationships.

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Social implications of Feudalism

Land and Land Structure: A New Basis for Social Hierarchy:

  • Receiving a land grant along with associated rights and privileges elevated individuals within the political hierarchy.
  • This period saw the emergence of a closed society where social relations became increasingly restricted.
  • Contemporary texts reference terms such as Gramdharam,Gramchara, and Asthanachar, reflecting the concept of Feudal localism.
  • Legal texts from this era indicate that individuals undertaking sea voyages would lose their caste status, and that marriages should not occur between those living at great distances.
  • The decline in trade and crafts contributed to the diminishing status of the Vaisyas, with evidence suggesting a blurring of distinctions between Vaisyas and Shudras.
  • Historical observations by Al-Beruni support this notion, as he noted that both groups faced punishment for reciting the Vedas.
  • Many Shudras transitioned to agriculture, resulting in an elevation of their social status.

Rise of the Kayastha Caste:

  • The expansion of the land grant system led to the rise of the Kayastha caste, originating from individuals involved in the profession of Scribes.
  • Feudal localism played a crucial role in the proliferation of caste during the early medieval period, making varna distinctions less significant.
  • The Brahmavaivarta Purana introduced the concept of deshabheda, emphasizing regional differences in caste.
  • No varna remained homogenous; fragmentation occurred due to territorial affiliations,gotra purity, and specific crafts,professions, or vocations.
  • Peasantisation of tribes resulted from the expansion of land grants, with tribes shifting to agriculture from earlier occupations.
  • Feudalism also contributed to the growth of slavery and the emergence of diverse languages and art forms.

The Rise of the Feudalism in India

  • Background: Feudalism in ancient India, especially during the Gupta and post-Gupta periods, was influenced by earlier developments.
  • System of Land-Grant: Originating under the Satavahana dynasty around 100 BC in the Maharashtra region, this system expanded significantly during the Gupta and post-Gupta periods.
  • Decline of Urban Economy: Notable decline began around the 4th or 5th century AD.
  • Power Fragmentation: The period following the Gupta era saw the rise of numerous small kingdoms, indicating a fragmentation of power.

Decline of the Feudalism in India

  • Feudalism declined due to various causes. It was based on land tenure paid for by governmental work, so any change in this system tended to displace feudalism.
  • The foundation of the Delhi Sultanate in 1206 brought political centralization, which was a significant blow to the feudal system.
  • The Delhi Sultanate's Iqta system was a tool of centralization as it did not grant land rights or hereditary claims.
  • Muhammad Habib believed that the economic changes under the Delhi Sultanate created a superior organization, leading to what he called an ‘Urban Revolution’ and ‘Rural Revolution’.
  • D.D. Kosambi acknowledged that the Islamic raiders disrupted old customs but viewed the changes as intensifications of existing Indian feudalism.
  • The growth of a cash economy and the revival of trade after the 10th century created unfavorable conditions for feudalism.
  • During A.D. 900-1300, the mercantile community became prominent, with many merchants involved in trade and moneylending.
  • Nikshepa-vanika in western India specialized in banking or moneylending, as mentioned in texts like Lekhapaddhati.
  • Regional merchant groups emerged, especially in Western India, with names like Oswal,Palivalas,Shrimali, and Modha. Collectively known as Marwaris.
  • In South India, regional markets called nagaram became centers of exchange, leading to the formation of merchant guilds like Ayyavole and Manigraman.
  • The Turks introduced tax collection, distribution, and coinage practices, which were initially superimposed on existing systems. Changes were gradually made by different Sultans until the 15th century.
  • Thus, feudalism gradually collapsed as a large phenomenon.
The document Indian Feudalism in Early Medieval Period | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) is a part of the UPSC Course History Optional for UPSC (Notes).
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FAQs on Indian Feudalism in Early Medieval Period - History Optional for UPSC (Notes)

1. What were the economic implications of feudalism in India during the early medieval period?
Ans. The economic implications of feudalism in India included the establishment of a land-based economy where landowners (lords) controlled agricultural production. The peasants worked the land in exchange for protection and a share of the produce, leading to a rigid class structure. This system often resulted in exploitation of the lower classes, limited trade, and a focus on subsistence farming rather than market-oriented agriculture.
2. How did feudalism affect the social structure in medieval India?
Ans. Feudalism significantly influenced the social structure in medieval India by creating a hierarchical system where landowners held power over serfs and peasants. This led to a society divided into distinct classes, with the ruling class enjoying privileges and the lower classes facing economic and social hardships. The system also reinforced caste distinctions, as land ownership and social status were often intertwined with caste identities.
3. What factors contributed to the rise of feudalism in India?
Ans. The rise of feudalism in India was facilitated by several factors, including the decline of centralized empires, frequent invasions, and the need for local rulers to provide security to their subjects. The fragmentation of power led to the emergence of local chieftains who gained control over land and resources, thereby establishing feudal relations with peasants who sought protection and stability.
4. What were the key reasons for the decline of feudalism in India?
Ans. The decline of feudalism in India can be attributed to various factors, such as the emergence of centralized states, increased trade, and the influence of colonial powers. The rise of a market economy, along with the introduction of new agricultural techniques and the development of infrastructure, diminished the power of feudal lords and led to greater mobility for peasants, ultimately undermining the feudal system.
5. How did Indian feudalism differ from European feudalism?
Ans. Indian feudalism differed from European feudalism in several ways, including its basis in agrarian relations rather than military service. While European feudalism was characterized by a system of vassalage with knights pledging loyalty to lords, Indian feudalism was more focused on land ownership and the peasant-lord relationship. Additionally, the caste system played a more prominent role in India, influencing social dynamics and economic relations within the feudal framework.
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