With reference to the term ‘Bali’, consider the following statements:

1.It was voluntary offerings of agricultural produce made by farmers to local chiefs.

2.It was tribute and prestations offered by defeated groups to victorious chiefs as a mark of submission.

3.It was ritual contributions collected by priests during religious ceremonies in the Early Vedic period.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a)Only one

(b)Only two

(c)All three

(d)None

Question

With reference to the term &lsquo;Bali&rsquo;, consider the following statements:

1.It was voluntary offerings of agricultural produce made by farmers to local chiefs.

2.It was tribute and prestations offered by defeated groups to victorious chiefs as a mark of submission.

3.It was ritual contributions collected by priests during religious ceremonies in the Early Vedic period.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a)Only one

(b)Only two

(c)All three

(d)None

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

The term Bali in the Early Vedic period primarily referred to voluntary offerings made by common people, especially farmers, to their chiefs (rajas) as a mark of respect rather than a formal tax system.

Statement 1 is correct: Bali was a voluntary tribute offered by the people, particularly in agricultural produce, to their chiefs. It was not a compulsory tax but more of a customary offering.

Statement 2 is correct: Bali could also include tributes or gifts offered by defeated groups to victorious chiefs, signifying submission. This practice was in line with the prevailing socio-political structure where war and conquest played a role in power dynamics.

Statement 3 is not correct: Bali was not specifically a ritual contribution collected by priests. Instead, offerings made to priests were called Dakshina, not Bali.

Ancient Indian History

Social and Economic Life in Ancient India

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