MENTION THE ECONOMIC SYSTEM DURING THE MAURYAN PERIOD
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The Indian Sub-Continent hosted numerous kingdoms and empires. It lands became fertile thanks to the flow of numerous rivers and estuaries, including the well-known rivers of Indus and Ganges. One of the first and largest empire in Ancient India was the Mauryan Empire. The laws of its ruler Ashoka made Maurya well-known. But the strength of its rulers equaled the strength of its prosperous economy.
For two centuries, the Maurayan Empire dominated the Indian sub-continent. Founded in 322 BCE by Chandragupta Maurya, it became a superpower that earned respect and also enemies. For more than two centuries it existed. Behind its long period of existence was its economy.
Based on the records of Megasthenes, a picture of Maurya’s economy could be painted. Maurya had an organized economy with status given to each field chosen.
The Caste system of the Mauryan Empire showed the most important and ranking of different profession within the empire. From the seven levels in the caste system, three levels involved being a farmer, shepherd, or an artisan. Second from the top of the caste system were the farmers. Farmers had the privilege of being exempted from fighting in wars. But farmers had the obligation to pay a tax of 25%. Next, third within the caste system, shepherds shared the rank with other animal involved activities like trappers, hunters, and pest controllers. Following the shepherds were the artisans in the fourth rank. Artisans included armorers, shipbuilders, implement makers, and other crafts and industries. They were also tax exempted. In addition, some artisans, like shipbuilders, weapon makers, and armorers, were made to work for the state in exchange for salaries paid by the treasury.
Agriculture was the primary source of livelihood of most Mauryan Indians. Maurya’s agriculture were dominated by small landlords. Slaves and Sudras helped to maintain the lands. But there were some land made into farm by slaves and Sudras under the orders of the state. Land ownership was reserved for the King. Virtually, all lands in the Mauryan Kingdom were owned by the King. But the King allowed small landowners to keep the land in exchange for tax payments. The agriculture of Maurya India was bountiful and strong. According to Megathenes, India didn’t had a famine. Farmers could harvest crops twice a year. Their main crops were grains, millet, rice, and a special type of Indian millet called bosporum. Other than grains, some farmers cultivated orchards of different fruit trees as well. Another factor for a good agricultural sector was the government’s support. One example was Chandragupta’s lake Sudarshana project, a dam meant to provide irrigation in the Gujarat Province.
Agriculture also became the backbone of Maurya’s finances. A 25% tax was imposed on every harvest of farmers. But in special cases, some villages were allowed to pay a collective tax known as the pindakara.