Lekhapaddhati as a Source of History | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

Lekhapaddhati:

• The Lekhapaddhati is a historical text written in Sanskrit and Prakrit around the 13th century in Gujarat.
• This anonymous work provides valuable models for various legal documents, offering insights into historical administrative practices.
• It includes examples of different types of legal documents such as land grants, treaties between rulers, administrative rules, and private letters.
• The text serves as a guide for drafting these documents, showcasing the legal and administrative norms of the time.

Economy 

Lekhapaddhati refers to five departments of the state related to trade and commerce:

• Vyapara karana(trade and commerce)
• Velakula karana(department of harbours)
• Jalapatha karana(department of waterways)
• Mandapika karana(department of customs)
• Tanks sala or mint

The value of Lekhapaddhati lies in its close connection with the contemporary inscriptions of the Chaulukya kings of Gujarat, who ruled from the 10th to the 13th century.

Sureties for loans 

From the Lekhapaddhati, it appears that the practice of requiring sureties for loans had become general.

Credit and banking 

Lekhapaddhati and Money-Lending Practices:

• Money-lending is highlighted as a crucial activity of merchants in the Lekhapaddhati.
• The duty of the debtor to repay on or before a specified date is emphasized, with the provision that the creditor can sell the mortgaged property to recover the due amount if the debtor fails to do so.
• Different types of mortgages are mentioned, including one called hypothecation without possession.
• The Lekhapaddhati provides important evidence regarding the law concerning sub-mortgages.
• All documents from the Lekhapaddhati specify a rate of interest set at 2% per month.

Society 

Slavery 

Slavery in Gujarat According to Lekhapaddhati:

• Lekhapaddhati, an ancient text, indicates that slavery was common in Gujarat during that time.
• The text suggests that frequent feudal wars and raids resulted in the enslavement of people from the defeated regions.
• Lekhapaddhati also outlines the duties of different types of slaves, reflecting the various roles they were forced to play.
• One case mentioned in the text refers to the sale of a female slave who voluntarily chose to become enslaved as a means to escape severe famine and harassment by invaders. She was kept for household work.
• The text also notes the trade in slaves, mentioning that slaves were sometimes shipped overseas and sold in exchange for other commodities.

Famines 

Frequent Famines and Charitable Help in Ancient Times:

• Evidence from the Lekhapaddhati, an ancient text, indicates that famines were a common occurrence in the past.
• During these difficult times, merchants played a crucial role by extending charitable help to those suffering from the impact of famines.
• This assistance often came in the form of essential items such as food and clothing, demonstrating the community's efforts to support one another during times of crisis.