Ethics Theory, TLP-UPSC Mains Answer Writing
Q. 3. Discuss the transition from tribal polity to monarchy during the Vedic period. What factors contributed to this evolution? (150 words, 10 marks)
Introduction
The Vedic period witnessed a transition from early tribal (jana-based) political structures to hereditary monarchies (rajyas) by the Later Vedic Age, driven by social stratification, territorial expansion, and growing need for centralised authority.
Body
Transition from Tribal Polity to Monarchy
- Tribal Assemblies: Early Vedic polities featured sabha and samiti, participatory councils seen in Rig Vedic tribes like the Bharatas and Purus.
- From Jana to Janapada: Settlement along the Ganga-Yamuna Doab led to territorial units like Kuru and Panchala kingdoms, replacing mobile tribal groups.
- Hereditary Kingship: Decline of elective leadership; kings like Parikshit (Mahabharata lineage) were legitimised through dynastic lineage.
- Royal Rituals: Later Vedic texts like the Aitareya Brahmana describe rajasuya and ashvamedha yajnas asserting kingly supremacy.
- Decline of Assemblies: Monarchs gradually overrode tribal checks and centralised authority under rajatantra.
Factors Contributing to the Evolution
- Agricultural Surplus: Use of iron tools (krishna ayas) enabled clearing forests in the Middle Gangetic plains, supporting settled farming.
- Social Hierarchies: The rise of varna system strengthened kshatriya dominance and Brahmanical justification of monarchy.
- Economic Power: Kings like the Kurus extracted taxes (bali) and maintained standing armies for expansion.
- Support from Brahamans: Priests received land and patronage; texts like Shatapatha Brahmana described the king as divine representative.
- External Threats and Warfare: Constant conflicts, e.g., Bharata–Tritsu alliance, required military centralisation and strong rulers.
Conclusion
The shift to monarchy introduced ideas of political legitimacy and territorial control that redefined governance beyond kinship. These developments laid the ideological and structural foundation for the emergence of the Mahajanapadas as early state systems.
