Economy of The Mauryan Empire Economy of The Gupta Empire
The Mauryan economy was very developed for its time. The existence of a stable centralized government and the unity of the sub-continent made by the emperor resulted in a fairly advanced trade.
The Indian economy was a settled agricultural region. As it was the backbone of the economy, land revenue was the major source of income from the government. All lands were under regular assessments to determine their production capability. In the field of agriculture, great advancements were made through a fairly advanced and planned technological systems and skills, such as, the irrigation system was very important there. A governor of Chandragupta Maurya built a dam across the river Girnar, creating a large lake which supplied water to the surrounding region. This dam was maintained for almost 800 years after its construction. The setting up of this irrigation projects gave the government more control over the economy. The concept of state owned farms was present where the kings had total control of the farms and his subjects were employed in the fields to cultivate crops. The crops were used to sustain the population and the surplus was taken by the government which helped to keep the population in shape because it created many new areas and people spread over there to set up new settlements. Basically, capitalism best describes their form of economy. Animal rearing was continued to be an important occupation as well. Craft guilds also received the major boost . Guilds were certain organizations which employed labor for its commodity that they were producing. It also created variety of jobs because artisans willingly joined these guilds to work easily and spread their skills. Besides organizing and developing economy, they made the tax collection system and administration easier for the kings. Each farm had an appropriate level of tax being applied. Industries and enterprises were also taxed, using a vast mix of techniques, all of which were derived from the original land revenue tax system. This entire system was the brainchild of Kautalya, the prime minister of Chandragupta Maurya. With the development of a taxation system, the government now had money to further develop the kingdom. |
Besides having agriculture as an important part, the economy in Gupta Empire had a significant progress in industry and trade. The guilds from Mauryan empire played a great role by being free centers of economy and the major contributors in manufactured goods industry. They also formed smaller corporations of their products like silk weaver guilds that helped to build such architectural temples like Buddhist temples which took part in religious beliefs and commercial benefits. Borrowing money for sea trade became so easy than in Mauryan empire which became a positive factor for the industry. Indian textile industry flourished not only for its internal demand but also many other countries outside India sought for it. They could able to produce silk, muslin, calico, linen, wool, cotton textiles etc. Industries of metallurgy, ivory work, stone curving blossomed too. People of Gupta Empire exported precious stones like jasper, agate, carnelian, quartz to foreign countries. Different styles and qualities of creating pottery improved. Most importantly, these goods were easily transported by road using ox carts .Sea trade was developing significantly by this time. Indian ships were continuously moving around the Arabian sea and the Indian Ocean. They even traded with parts of East Africa.
The State gathered abundant revenues in the form of custom duties at the numerous ports on the western coast like Broach Sopara, Cambay and a multitude center where most of the trade routes converged.
Like the Maurya empire, agriculture was significant in the Gupta empire too. Land revenue was collected . Cultivable land was divided into 3 sections: fallow or wasteland owned by the state, cultivated land owned by the state from which the main portions of the state income derived and the private land.The king was able to give out grants called "AGRAHAARA" which was revoked after death. The empire had theocracy means the king had the total control of the land. the main crops were paddy, wheat, sugarcane , bamboo etc. The Gupta kings took special care for the irrigation system in agriculture.Thus during the Gupta Period, the combination of agriculture and trade made the economy prosperous and advanced. |
The Mauryans had developed extensive trade relations and dealt with several countries like Syria and Egypt in addition to several others in the West. There were many foreign traders who took up residence in Mauryan cities, so much so that there was a separate committee to look after them. There were a variety of goods being exported and imported. The Mauryan kings used to import wines, figs, clothes and beautiful vessels made out of silver. The Mauryan exports were chiefly items of luxury like fine muslin cloth. The development of trade soon became profitable for the empire and eventually a separate department looked after trade and commerce and ensured that a transparent system was put in place. Standard weights and measures were used and all goods bore the official stamp. Towards the later Mauryan period sea trade began to take place, they built ships and hired them out for trade to merchants. Though there was not a formal banking system but the concept of exchanging money existed. In short, the industry and business flourished extremely.
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