Ancient India

Lesson 2: Economy and Polity in Ancient India 4th c. B.C.

Agricultural production

In this section, we discuss the tranformations in agricultural production in ancient India. From the early vedic period to the later vedic times, there were changes in the economic activities of the people. Initially, people followed pastoralism. But later they began to appreciate the uses of agricultural production.

FROM NOMADIC LIFE TO SETTLED LIFE
Initially, the tribes were nomadic and moved from one place to the other. But later, with the emergence of settled life on Ganges valley, agricultural production became important.

SECOND URABNIZATION
Sixth century B.C. is considered the age of second urbanization. This process is linked with the emergence of agricultural production and the emergence of many towns.

USE OF IRON IN AGRICULTURE
One important development during this period was the use of iron implements in agricultural production. This greatly increased the quantity of agricultural produce and also improved the quality of craft production. Before 1000 B.C., iron implements were not used in agriculture.

In the Rg Veda there is use of term krsna ayas which meant a metal similar to iron. In the vedic period in the western U.P. region there was the use of iron weapons. Archaeologists have discovered some sites where iron implements have been found. The NBP ware (North Black Polished ware) culture has been discovered in different parts of North India and they include many agricultural implements along with those materials needed for craft production.

However, not many iron implements have been found. This is due to the fact that the soil was very moist and climate was humid and in such a climate it was difficult to preserve these implements. However, in the literature there are references to the use of iron in agriculture.

For instance, there is reference to the process of sugar cane cultivation and paddy production. Certain regions with hard soil needed deep ploughing and with the use of an iron tipped plough it was possible to increase the productivity of such soils.

Consequently, there was the extension of agricultural activity. Iron implements were necessary to clear the thick jungle in the middle gangetic region (on the Ganga river valley). There was the use of the iron axe for clearing of forests and in these region they established agricultural settlements.

USES OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION
As result of increased agricultural production, surplus produce was used for trade. There was the emergence of grahapati traders who participated in long distance trade. There is reference to urban centres like pura, nagara, nigama, etc. There is reference to trading communities like setthis and sarthavaha. We also find the emergence of trade guilds.

The villages supplied the agricultural goods to the towns which were either consumed by the people of the towns or they were exported to other trade centres. Hence, both internal and external trade developed. With trade development, there was the emergence of towns. Some of them were religious centres while others were administrative and trade centres.

Reference:

1. R. S. Sharma, Light on Early Indian Society and Economy, Bombay, 1966.

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