Contents of Indika

Contents of Indika:

• Economy. Gold, silver, copper and iron are abundant on Indian soil. Besides, tin and other metals are used for making a number of tools, weapons, ornaments, and other articles. No famines have ever occurred in India because of the following reasons:

1.     The Indians are always assured of at least one of the two seasonal crops.

2.     There are a number of spontaneously growing fruits and edible roots available.

3.     The Indian warriors regard those engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry as sacred. Unlike the warriors in other countries, they do not ravage farms during war conquests. Moreover, the warring sides never destroy the enemy land with fire or cut down its trees.

• Society. The population of India is divided into 7 endogamous and hereditary castes:

1.     Philosophers- Believed to be most dear to the gods, and to be the most conversant with matters pertaining to Hades. At the beginning of the year, they make prophecies about droughts, rain storms, propitious winds, diseases and other topics. Based on these prophecies, the citizens and the rulers make adequate preparations. A philosopher whose prophecy fails receives strong criticism and has to observe silence for the rest of his life, but otherwise incurs no penalty.

2.     Farmers- Most numerous of all castes. Live in villages and protected from damage during wars, even by enemy warriors.

3.     Herders- Live in tents, outside villages and towns. Hunt and trap crop-destroying birds and animals

4.     Artisans- Exempted from paying taxes, and receive a maintenance from the state exchequer

5.     Military- Maintained at state expense, along with war horses and elephants

6.     Overseers

7.     Councillors and Assessors- Composed of wise people with good character

• Administration. The foreigners are treated well. Special officers are appointed to ensure that no foreigner was harmed, and judges handed out harsh punishment to those who took unfair advantage of the foreigners. 

Tracing the legislative history of India.

Representative Bodies in Ancient India.

On 26th January, 1950, India achieved an important milestone in the democratic history by establishing modern parliamentary institution. But it doesn't mean that it was first time, when India witnessed a democratic institution in its realm. 

During Vedic Period (circa 3000 BC to 1000BC), there was a system of Sabha and Samiti as mentioned in Rigveda. Both Sabha and Samiti differed in function and powers. Samiti can be compared with modern day general assembly or house of people, whereas Sabha can be placed at equal footing with modern Upper House. It consisted of elected elderly members.

There were certain features of democratic set up during that period, which are:

1. free discussions and decision by vote of majority existed during that period. The decision of the majority could not be overridden.
2. King was subject to Dharma, which is equivalent to modern day concept of Rule of Law. His power was subject to will of people, customs, usages and injunctions of Dharmashashtra.
3. He held in trust the state for welfare of his people.

• Texts such as Aitreya Brahman, Panini's Ashtadhyayi, Arthashashtra, Mahabharata; Greek, Jain and Buddhist scholars and Manusmriti are evidences of existence of number of functioning republics during post- Vedic era.
• Sovereignty in these republics (known as Samgha or Ganrajya) lied in large assembly, which elected not only executive leaders but also military leaders. This assembly also decided foreign affairs and issues of war and peace. 
• The Pali texts reveal procedure and practice of assembly, that was based on legalism and constitutional;ism of most advanced type.
• Speaker or Vinayadhara and Whip (Ganapuraka) were aware of terms like resolution, quorum, vote by majority etc.
• voting in assembly was done by tickets (Salakas)- woods of different colours for different opinions.
• Complicated and serious matters were referred to a Special Committee elected from amongst the members of assembly.