Home > Indian History > History of India > Division of Land
Division of Land
Division of land is the next step taken by the king which has been described in chapter II of Book II of Arthashastra which clearly demarcates the land between forests, pastoral land, private and as well as land for construction.

Share this Article:

Division of Land has been the next step which the king keeps in mind after the creation of the village. As the countryside mainly consisted forest areas which used to be rich source of natural resource, this makes it important for the king to utilise this area in a much more organised manner. As such Arthashastra advises its king to equally divide the forest land in particular along with the cultivable land among the forests and pastoral land.

Division of land mainly includes the forest area around the village, forests for the elephants, forests for timber and uncultivated land for pasture. With the division of land Arthashastra makes provisions for the Brahmans who shall be provided with forests for the soma plantation, for religious learning and for the performance of penance. Such forests will be rendered free from animals and will be named after the name of the tribe from which the Brahmin belongs to or after his gotra. Further the forest area around the village provides with large variety of delicious fruit trees, bushes, bowers and thorn less trees with an expansive lake of water for all the tamed and peaceful animals.

Division of land keeps provisions for game - forests with game beasts; for manufactories to prepare commodities from forest products; keeps provision for timber forests which shall be separated from wild tracts. The superintendent in charge of the forests shall be responsible for the maintenance of security within the forest areas. At the same time he is supposed to know all the inns and outs of the forest routes which he shall require to utilise for himself as well as the village people. An important section of the chapter talks of the elephants which play an important role in the army of the country. As elephants have been an inevitable factor in the army, the king takes full measures to safeguard them and anyone who kills an elephant will be put to death. At the same time anyone who brings a pair of elephant will be given four annas as reward.

Thus division of land mainly includes the utilisation of forest regions around the countryside. The main intension is to utilise all the available natural resources which is easily accessible to even the poorest in the community.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.