A History of Agriculture in India v1.c36.s2: People and Government
A History of Agriculture in India v1.c36.s2
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Contents
People and Government
v1.c36.s2.1
With respect to the ordinary people, Hiuen Tsang observes, 'although they are naturally light-minded, yet they are upright and honourable. In money matters they are without craft, and in administering justice they are considerate. They dread the retribution of another state of existence, and make light of the things of the present world. They are not deceitful or treacherous in their conduct and are faithful to their oaths and promises, and in their rules of government there is remarkable rectitude, while in their behaviour there is much gentleness and sweetness. With respect to criminals and rebels, these are few in number and only occasionally troublesome. When the laws are broken or the power of the ruler violated, then the matter is clearly sifted and the offenders punished. There is no infliction of corporal punishment; they are simply left to live and die, and are not counted among men. When the rules of morality or justice have been violated, or a man is dishonest or wanting in filial love, his nose or ears are cut off and he is expelled from the city to wander in the jungle till he dies. For other faults besides these, a small fine is exacted in lieu of punishment. In investigating crimes, the rod is not used to extort proofs of guilt. In questioning the accused, if he answers frankly, his punishment is proportioned accordingly, but if he obstinately denies his fault, in order to probe the truth to the bottom, trial by ordeal is resorted to.
v1.c36.s2.2
'As the administration of the government is founded on benign principles, the executive is simple. The families are not entered on registers, and the people are not subjected to forced labour. The Crown-lands are divided into four parts. The first is for carrying out the affairs of State; the second, for paying the ministers and officers of the Crown; the third, for rewarding men of genius; the fourth, for giving alms to religious communities. In this way, the taxes on the people are light, and the services required of them are moderate. Every one keeps his worldly goods in peace, and all till the soil for their subsistence. Those who cultivate the royal estates pay a sixth part of their produce as tribute. The merchants who engage in commerce travel to and fro in pursuit of their calling. Rivers and toll-bars are opened for travellers on payment of a small sum. When the public works require it, labour is exacted but paid for. The payment is in strict proportion to the work done.'
People of Magadha, Malwa, Kutchh and Saurashtra
v1.c36.s2.t1.1
Hiuen Tsang made the following observations on the people of Magadha, Malwa, Kutchh and Saurashtra:
v1.c36.s2.t1.2
Magadha and Malwa. 'The soil is rich and fertile, and produces abundant harvests. Shrubs and trees are numerous and flourishing; flowers and fruits are met with in great quantities. The soil is suitable in an especial manner for winter wheat. They mostly eat biscuits made of parched corn-flour. The disposition of the men is virtuous and docile, and they are, in general, of remarkable intelligence. Their language is elegant and clear, and their learning is wide and profound.
v1.c36.s2.t1.3
‘Two countries in India, on the borders, are remarkable for the great learning of the people, viz. Malwa on the south-west, and Magadha on the north-east. In this they esteem virtue and respect politeness (humanity). They are of an intelligent mind and exceedingly studious; nevertheless the men of this country are given to heretical belief as well as the true faith, and so live together.’
v1.c36.s2.t1.4
Kutchh. ‘The population is dense; the quality of gems and precious substances stored up is very great; the produce of the land is sufficient for all purposes, yet commerce is their principal occupation. The soil is salty and sandy, the fruits and flowers are not plentiful. The country produces the hu-tsian tree. The leaves of this tree are like those of the Sz’chuen pepper (Shuh tsiau); it also produces the hiun-lu perfume tree, the leaf of which is like the thang-li. The climate is warm, windy, and dusty. The disposition of the people is cold and indifferent. They esteem riches and despise virtue.’
v1.c36.s2.t1.5
Saurashtra. ‘The soil is impregnated with salt; flowers and fruits are rare. Although the climate is equable, yet there is no cessation of tempests. The manners of the people are careless and indifferent; their disposition light and frivolous. They do not love learning and are attached both to the true faith and also to heretical doctrine.’⁵
v1.c36.s2.t1.6
⁵ Beal, S. *Chinese Accounts of India*, Vol. II, pp. 452, 453, 456 and 459