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Definition
Self-sufficient village economy was the distinct feature of Indian economy since ages. This structure remained intact despite rise and fall of dynasties. It witnessed a major transformation during the British period due to introduction of colonial form of capitalism. This system continued in the post-independent India, and the author himself is a witness of this system in his village in the region of Vaishali (ancient Licchavi republic) during the 1970s and 1980s. Jajmani system is a prominent feature of this feudalistic self-sufficient village economic system. It primarily means that local artisans produce the goods locally for local consumption.
Characteristics of Jajmani System
The term jajman means a person who performs a yajna (sacrifice ritual). Later on it was identified with the householder who hired services or to whom the services were offered. It is a system of distribution whereby high caste land-owning families are provided...
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References
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Prakash, O. (2022). Jajmānī System. In: Long, J.D., Sherma, R.D., Jain, P., Khanna, M. (eds) Hinduism and Tribal Religions. Encyclopedia of Indian Religions. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-1188-1_487
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