Economic Condition of Medieval Nepal

Economic Condition of Medieval Period

In ancient times during the Malla period, people were economically strong and had a feeling of nationality. They were patriotic to their nation and its responsibilities. At that time, the main occupation was agriculture and animal rearing. They were famous for art and architecture. The economic condition of the Medieval period can be divided into the following:

Farming

Farming was the main occupation of the Nepalese people because of fertile land which provided sufficient supplies to the farmers. The farmers grew various crops like wheat, barley, maize, fruits, and vegetables. The land of the Medieval period was divided into 4 categories by Jayasthiti Malla, namely,Abbal, Doyam, Seem and Chahar, on the basis of the fertility of the land. At that time, the land was measured by the length of hand called “haat”. All the land belonged to the kings. The kings used to hand over his land to Brahmins and the higher officials as Birta land for their contribution in administration. Birta was tax-free land.

Animal Rearing

Animal Rearing was another main occupation of the people. There were sufficient pasture lands where animals could easily rear which supported to have better production of milk, ghee, meat, and wool. Besides these, they used different materials or items of animals in their daily usages like skin, wool, hide etc. They used to rear animals in their home like cows, donkeys, yak, sheep, goat etc.

Industry and Trade

Malla period was rich in cottage industries to produce various household materials made of copper. They made idols, mud & metal pots and vessels which were exported to Tibet and India. There were enough minerals mines to produce metals. Due to this, people were involved in various metal industries like weaving cloth, spinning, making pots of copper, brass, silver, iron etc. Malla and Sen Kingdoms used to trade equally with each other.
Tibet had good trade relations with the Malla Kings of the Kathmandu valley. At that time, Nepali coins were used in Tibet. Kuti and Kerung were the main passes through which trade was operated with Tibet. They used Mana,Pathi, Muri, Dharni for the measurement of goods. Herbs, woods, wools and blankets were exported to Tibet. There were 10% and 25% of loan tax for cash and land respectively. They used copper coins, silver coins, gold coins and leather coins introduced by the Malla Kings. Those coins were called as ‘Mahindramalli’.

Service

Service in administration was another important activity of the Medieval period. Only few citizens were nominated and engaged in the service sectors. Certain caste group people like Pandey, Aryals, Boharas, and Pantascould join the army. Their main source of income was land tax and costume duties but they didn’t keep systematic records for it.

Things to remember

• During the Malla period, people were economically strong and had the feeling of nationality. 
• The main occupation was agriculture and animal rearing.
• At that time land was measured by the length of hand called “haat”. 

• It includes every relationship which established among the people.
• There can be more than one community in a society. Community smaller than society.
• It is a network of social relationships which cannot see or touched.
• common interests and common objectives are not necessary for society.

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