Socio-economic conditions of the Gupta period.
Socio-economic conditions of the Gupta period.
Social and economic features of the Gupta period.
Socio-economic conditions of the Gupta period:-
In the post-Mauryan period, political unity was destroyed. As a result, anarchy was observed in all economic and social spheres. But in the Gupta period, as a result of political unity, unity, law and order returned to economic and social life and this status quo was maintained for a long time. The economy and society of the Gupta period can be known from various coins, inscriptions, various literature - such as - Yajnavalkya Smriti, Narada Smriti, Brihaspati Smriti - etc.
Economic conditions of the Gupta period:-
1. Establishment of many cities: -
The establishment of many cities in India during the Gupta period indicates the economic excellence of that period. Each city was well-equipped and each city was developed around a specific plan. Notable cities of the Gupta era were - Ayodhya, Indrapur, Pataliputra and Chandrapur. The decoration, planning, buildings, architectural construction of the cities - etc. all prove the economic excellence of the Gupta era.
2. Agricultural production: -
The economy of the Gupta era was based on agriculture. Agricultural land was divided into three categories - (a) state-owned uncultivated land, (b) state-owned cultivated and regular land and (c) privately owned land. However, theoretically the king was the real owner of the land. The main land revenue of the state came from state-owned cultivated land and privately owned land.
3. Industrial excellence: -
A total of 64 types of industries are known in the literature of the Gupta era. The Iron Pillar located in Delhi shows the extreme excellence of the iron industry of the Gupta era. In addition, the silk industry and cotton weaving industry were major other industries at that time. Other notable industries were leather, wood, metal, etc.
4. Merchants' guilds: -
The existence of merchant guilds like the modern Chamber of Commerce can be observed in the economy of the Gupta era. The guilds protected the interests of the artisans or producers on the one hand and the buyers on the other. Even this merchant council also participated in local governance. In addition, 'consultative councils' were formed with local merchants and traders.
5. Existence of banks: -
The existence of banks is known in the economic system of the Gupta era. Banks were especially prominent in commercial centers like Vaishali, Kotivarsha, etc. These banks were run by business corporations. Banks had a system for depositing cash, valuable assets, and collateral.
6. Monetary system: -
Gold, silver and copper coins were in circulation during the Gupta era. The widespread use of gold coins can be observed in the Gupta era. The widespread use of gold coins in the Gupta era bears the mark of the extreme economic prosperity of that era.
7. Revenue system: -
Various types of revenue were prevalent in the Gupta era. For example - land tax, 1/6th revenue of the produced crops, tax on manufactured goods - etc. In addition, various types of taxes are known such as unpaid labor or Bishti, ferry tax, salt tax, foreign invasion and war tax - etc.
8. Trade and Commerce: -
Both internal and external trade were prevalent in the Gupta era. The Guptas had business relations with various regions of the Roman Empire, Java, Sumatra, Afghanistan, Persia - etc. Foreign trade was conducted through ports such as Malabar, Saurashtra, Ujjain, Konkan coast, Broach - etc.
The internal trade was carried on with the regions of Varanasi, Mathura, Sarnath, Pataliputra, Nashik, Paithan, etc. by river and road. 1/5 of the tax was collected from the trade.
Social condition of the Gupta era: -
1. Predominance of caste system: -
The distinction between the four castes - Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras - became evident in the society. Mixing between different castes was strictly prohibited and preventing mix-up of castes was one of the duties of the provincial rulers. The society was patriarchal and the head of the family was the father.
2. Predominance of Brahmins in the society: -
The power and rights of the highest caste Brahmins in the society were the most. Brahmins were known as 'Dvijas'. The purity of Brahmins is known in various Smriti Shastras. Brahmins practiced worship, education, penance and studied Vedic scriptures. Brahmins were appointed in the royal court and advised the king on the administration of the state.
3. Condition of Shudras: -
During the Gupta era, the condition of Shudras was much better than other eras. There was a difference between slaves and Shudras. As the plight of Vaishyas increased compared to the previous era, the difference between the poor Vaishyas and the Shudras decreased. Hiuen Tsang mentioned that Shudras were employed in the agricultural sector.
4. Marriage system: -
Although the caste system was strict during the Gupta era, there is mention of marriage between Brahmins and Kshatriyas. Polygamy was prevalent in society. There is mention of polygamy in the Gupta dynasty. However, although polygamy was prevalent, only the chief women got the opportunity to participate in social activities. Although marriages were generally prevalent among the same caste, Anuloma and Pratiloma marriages were also prevalent.
5. Place of women in society: -
In the Gupta society, women's education was widely practiced. Both the system of Sati and widow marriage were prevalent in the society. Women of the royal family and aristocratic families had the opportunity to pursue higher education. Although women lived an independent life, they could participate in family and social activities with the permission of their husbands.
6. Origin of hybrid castes: -
Many hybrid or mix-castes emerged during the Gupta period. For example, it is known from various elements of the Bakataka dynasty that the sons of a Brahmin father and a Kshatriya mother were considered Kshatriyas. In addition, if a class of Kshatriyas participated in education and the practice of scriptures, they became known as Kayasthas.
7. Cultural integration: -
During the Gupta period, a large number of foreigners arrived from north-western India. As a result, a major change took place in society. However, when all these foreigners adopted Indian religion, language, customs, etc., a mixed culture was born in Indian society. As a result, on the one hand, various foreign problems were solved, on the other hand, trade and commerce expanded.
8. Slavery: -
Slavery was widespread in the Gupta era. It is known from the Manu Smriti and Narada Smriti that the practice of voluntarily becoming slaves was prevalent during the war. Mainly, prisoners of war were turned into slaves. Although slaves had no legal rights, they were treated humanely.
9. Untouchability: -
Untouchability was prevalent in the Gupta society. From the account of Fa Hien, it is known that the Chandals lived outside the main city. In addition, other untouchable species of people - such as - Pulinda, Shabar, Kirat - lived in the hills, forest areas, forests of the Vindhya mountains - etc.
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