History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c4.12

v1.c4.12

The Sunga dynasty initiated fudalism and caste system rigidly. The system continued during Kuṣāṇa, Gupta and Śātavāhanas. The late Gupta ruler, Vākāṭaka kings, Bhoja, Cera & Colas continued the practice with rights for management of properties and administration which in turn introduced middlemen through system of lease. Feudal class became an organisation of exploitation and carried little responsibility to mitigate the responses from artisans and ordinary people. The Delhi Iron Pillar ( c. 4th century A.D.), Konarak Temple at Bhuvaneshwar, Dhar Iron Pillar built by Bhoja (c. 1050 A.D.) represented power, technological skill and knowledge.