Best Answer : Post-Gupta Era: The Dynamic Interplay of Social System and Economy
The post-Gupta period in India, roughly spanning from the 7th to the 12th century CE, witnessed significant changes in both the social system and the economy, with a close interrelation between the two:
1. Feudal Fragmentation and Decline of Centralized Authority:
During this period, the Gupta Empire disintegrated, leading to the rise of regional and local kingdoms. The decentralization of political power resulted in a fragmented social system. Feudal lords, known as “samantas” or “dikpati,” gained prominence as they controlled various territories, leading to a shift away from the centralized authority of the Gupta rulers.
2. Agrarian Economy and Land Grants:
The economy of the post-Gupta period was primarily agrarian. Land was the most valuable resource, and it played a crucial role in both the economy and social hierarchy. Feudal lords offered land grants to officials, soldiers, and scholars in exchange for services. These grants were known as “land revenue assignments” and were a key economic feature of this era.
3. Growth of Guilds and Urbanization:
Economic activities thrived with the growth of trade and commerce. Urban centers emerged as hubs of economic and cultural exchange. Guilds (shrenis) played a significant role in trade and crafts, regulating economic activities and creating a sense of community among traders and artisans.
4. Changes in Social Hierarchy:
The changes in the economy resulted in shifts in social hierarchies. Landownership, administrative roles, and access to resources became important determinants of one’s social status. Those who controlled land or had specialized skills in urban areas gained prominence. This led to a gradual transformation of the traditional caste-based social structure.
5. Decline in Social Mobility:
While the Gupta period had seen a relatively open society with some degree of social mobility, the post-Gupta era witnessed a decline in social mobility. The control of land by feudal lords and the prominence of certain occupational groups reduced the scope for individuals to move between social strata.
In summary, the post-Gupta period in India was marked by a transition from a centralized political structure to feudal fragmentation. These changes were closely linked to the agrarian economy, land grants, the growth of guilds, and the emergence of urban centers. As economic roles became more critical determinants of social status, they contributed to the evolving social system characterized by a more rigid hierarchy and reduced social mobility.
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