As
we know about separation of history into three segments - Mediaeval
period is one of the most important segment, which can be considered as the
bridge between ancient and modern period. Like Western countries mediaeval age
in India is associated with the rise of feudalism. To make understanding about
medieval period it’s essential to know about the ‘classical’ segment of ancient
period. B. D Chattopadhyay is of the opinion that the period between 2nd 3rd
Century CE to 6th century known as classical formation period[1]. It means
during this time segment (Gupta age) we can see standardization in several
field like literature, polity, social, economic, and cultural field. During
post Gupta period several Changes occurred in practices of ancient customs,
culture and tradition. Especially in the field of polity, economic, social and
culture. By analyzing these changes during classical and post classical period we
can draw the socio-economic figure of mediaeval India.
In Political
field
Post
classical period is known for Political degeneration. To know about political
changes occurred during this period lets discuss a little bit about some
features of ancient or classical age monarchial system. In ancient period the
state was centralized in nature and ruled by highly bureaucratic Rajanya or Kshatriya.
He was the supreme authority of the state in which the hierarchy of power based
on land holding was absent. Its officials were paid mainly in cash.
During Post Gupta Period this centralized state system
collapsed due to Decline recorded in trade system. It causes significant change
in the mode of payment to government officials. Due to lack of currency the state
introduced ‘land grant system’ in lieu of cash salary. Due to Increase in numbers
of ‘land grant’ (Agrahara) to the Brahmins and political subordinates, the
centralized state system rapidly converted into decentralized or feudal state
system. That caused emergence of feudalism. These feudal rulers were very soon
converted into semi-autonomous ruler generally known as Samant or Maha-Samant.[2]
In
Social Field
During
this period the old Brahmanical order modified. Due to Agrahara (revenue free
land) to Brahmins a new class that is called middle class emerged. The
result is the Brahmin and political subordinates converted into landholders. It
caused the emergence of Jajmani system. In this system landholders
community regarded as patrons and the serving community as clients. Beside it
during this period the warrior class ‘Rajput’ community adopted the profession
of the Kshatriya.[3] To legitimize
their position among people they also claimed descent from the solar and lunar
dynasties. The Vaishya were the ancient agricultural community, they
remained unchanged. While Shudras who were the landless laborers in the beginning,
during this period they emerged as a rich peasants called Mahattars or Mahto.
Beside it in ancient period Hindu society segmented into
four social groups – Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra. In the beginning there
were no chances to intermixing of these Varnas. Because prevention of Varna-Shankar
(mixing up of Varna) was one of the main objective of a king. But during
classical period intermixing of these Varna’s can be seen. According to the
brahmanical explanation this illegitimate mixture of Varnas caused the
formation of the ‘Jati’[4]. In
the beginning Jati was beyond of the four Varnas. Which can be seen in Sanskrit
texts. One of the important Sanskrit text ‘Manusmriti’ mentions only the four Varnas
and a few 61 mix caste. While the another Sanskrit text Vishnu dharmottar
purana references thousands of mix caste as well as hierarchized composition of
the Shudra Varna by putting different groups in categories of uttam (good), madhyam
(middle) and Adham (inferior).[5]
In Economic field
Indian
long distanced foreign trade flourished since the Kushan period. But it
declined during Gupta (with Roman Empire) and post Gupta period (with Iran).[6]
That's why the early historical urban centers and commercial cities of northern
India declined. After the decline of urban centers the village converted into
units of production. Because the soldiers, artisans merchants, migrated from
town to rural areas.
In religious field
During
this period the existing religion divided into several sects or subsects. By replacing
brahma, Indra like Vedic period God Vishnu, Shiv, Durga etc. emerged as supreme
deities. Domestic workshop overshadowed the cult of sacrifices. Dana, Prasad,
Pooja, Bhakti, teerth system emerged and promoted. Due to continuous grants, land
grants temple became the significant center of social economic and cultural
activities, especially in South India.
Beside these changes others changes took place during this
period like the peasantization of the tribes, emergence of several local
languages etc.
Thus we can see that the period between post Gupta period
and the establishment of the Delhi sultanate, witnessed several significant
structural changes in polity, society, economy field. These changes switched
the ancient period into medieval.
[1] Chattopadhyaay,
Brajdulal (2012) The Making of Early Medieval India’ Oxford University Press,
Page No XXIII
[2] Chattopadhyaay,
Brajdulal (2012) The Making of Early Medieval India’ Oxford University Press,
Page No 11
[4] Chattopadhyaay,
Brajdulal (2012) The Making of Early Medieval India’ Oxford University Press,
Page No. XXV
[5] Chattopadhyaay,
Brajdulal (2012) The Making of Early Medieval India’ Oxford University Press,
Page No. XXVI