Question

Can you point out the difference between the way villages are managed today and how they were managed in the time of mahajanapadas?

Answer 1

Instructions: Answer should have the following points:
Villages of the Mahajanapadas:

• Greatest land owner became Headman of the village
• Existence of slavery
• Headman collected taxes for king

Modern-day Villages:

• Representatives are elected through voting
• Absence of slavery
• Government collect taxes

Solution:
Villages of the Mahajanapadas:

• Head of the family or Grihapati was assisted by their family members on the fields. They also employed ‘dasas’ or slaves.
• The greatest landowner became the Headman of the village.
• Taxes were collected by the Headman on behalf of the king.

Modern-day Villages:

• In present times, regular elections of the local self-government (Gram Sabha) take place after every five years.
• Slavery does not exist in modern, independent India.
• Taxes are collected by the government in modern times.