Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c8.92

c8.92

Those who held the land were, as a rule, expected to cultivate it themselves. Those who did not, were permitted in certain cases to employ labourers. But they ran the risk of forfeiting it. Uncultivated land was to be used for pasture. Lands which the state cleared of forests were to be given to cultivators for life. If the peasant promptly paid government dues, they were supplied with "grains, cattle, or money," on favourable terms to relieve their distress.¹ Priests and scholars were to be provided with freeholds. So, too, many government officers, physicians, veterinary surgeons, messengers and horse-trainers, were to be provided with land which, however, they could not sell or mortgage.²