Social Conditions

SOCIAL CONDITIONS:

Fedualism

• The social formation of feudalism was the characteristic of medieval society in India.

• Feudal features listed by historian R.S. Sharma are: royal grants of land; transfer of fiscal and judicial rights to the beneficiaries; the grant of their rights over peasants, artisans and merchants; an increased incidence of forced labour; appropriation of surplus by the state; a decline in trade and coinage; payment of officials through land revenue assignments; and the growth of the obligations of the samantas (subordinate or feudatory rulers).

Rigid Caste System

• During the Gupta period, the caste system became rigid. Brahmanas occupied the top ladder of society. They were getting large-scale land grants not only from the rulers but from other people also. The land was given along with administrative rights and tax exemptions.

• According to Fa Hien, ‘Chandalas’ were separated from the mainstream society and treated like untouchables.

• Devotion and meditation were preferred over sacrifice.

• Bhakti tradition was growing rapidly.

Women’s Position deteriorated during the Gupta period.

• Women were not permitted to study religious texts such as the Puranas nor own property.

• The practice of ‘Swyamvara’ was abandoned.

• Manusmriti called for early marriage of girls. Sati system appeared.