Arshia
Emerging of rulers,Janapadas,Mahajanapadas, collection of taxes
Around 3000 years ago, this pratha of becoming raja by performing big sacrifices started. The ashwamedha or the horse sacrifice was one such ritual. In this sacrifice, the horse was set free to wander about, although guided by its men. If the horse who enter and stop at other's Kingdom, then they would have to fight. And if the horse us allowed to pass through the kingdom of others, then that indicated that the said king had accepted the strength and power of the king who wanted to perform the sacrifices. Rajas were then invited to the sacrifice ceremony which was performed by priests . The priests were then adorned with precious gifts or daan. The raja who performed the sacrifice was considered as one of the most powerful of all.
The raja remains as the centre of attraction all throughout the ritual. He is made to sit on a special throne or the tiger's skin. His charioteer who accompanied him to the battlefield used to narrate his story of glorious victory. His wives and children also accompanied the raja in performing some rituals. Ordinary people were also invited in the ritual. It was also attended by the vaishya caste. All who attended the ritual used to bring gifts. However, the shudras, who are considered the lowest in the caste hierarchy were excluded from attending any public happenings in the town.
The people were divided into 4 groups depending on the work they did. Those groups were called Varnas.
The first and foremost in the Varna hierarchy were the Brahmins or the priests class. They were entitled with performing religious practices, teaching and studying the Vedas.
The second category belonged to the Kshatriyas or the warrior. They used to fight battles and wars and protected people of their kingdom.
The third category were that of the vaishya. They were the farmers, traders, herders. They were entitled to perform the sacrifices.
The last and the lowest of the Varnas were the shudras. These groups served the top 3 Varnas. Many women were also grouped into this Varna. They were not allowed to study the Vedas. Later this Varna was described as untouchables. These were the people like Gatherers and hunters, who performed cremations and the burials.
The priests used to believe that these Varnas are applied since birth. But the king’s would not accept these divisions laid by the priests as they would considered themselves superior than the priests. There were controversies on these divisions.
Janapadas
The rajas who performed sacrifices were considered as the rajas of the janapadas. The word janapadas means the land where the Jana or the people set their foot and settled down. Some of the janapadas were purana quila in New Delhi, Hastinapur in Meerut. The people lived in huts, and kept cattle and other animals. They grew crops like wheat, barley , rice, pulses, mustard.
They made earthen pots, mainly of grey and red colours. The special type were of grey colour with the linear lines and geometric patterns.
Mahajanapadas
The important janapadas became mahajanapadas. Most of the mahajanapadas had the capital cities and we’re fortified. Walls of stones, bricks were built.
Forts were built to ensure protection to the people from foreign attacks. Such huge walls required massive planning. Numerous stones and bricks were required to built such huge walls. Labourers in huge number were employed, which included all men, women and children.
Armies were been maintained by the rajas. The soldiers were been paid.
Collection of taxes.
Needless to mention that building huge fortified cities and maintaining huge armies required funds. To collect these funds. Official were employed. Since, then the system of collecting taxes began. Here’s the list of things I n which taxes were imposed.
- Taxes were imposed on crops. About 1/6 of the produce were demanded. This was known as bhaga or share.
- Taxes were collected from the craftpersons.
- Herders were entitled to pay in terms of animals and animals produce.
- Taxes were imposed on goods bought and sold.
- Hunters and Gatherers were required to pay in terms of forest produce.
Name the following:
- Name the sacrifices been spoken about here. Ashwamedha yagya.
- Which Varna was considered the best if all-time Brahmins
- What were the shudras called: untouchables
What were the taxes collected from the farmers called- bhaga.
