Jajman; Village economy

Self-sufficient village economy was the distinct feature of Indian economy since ages. This structure remained intact despite rise and fall of dynasties. It witnessed a major transformation during the British period due to introduction of colonial form of capitalism. This system continued in the post-independent India, and the author himself is a witness of this system in his village in the region of Vaishali (ancient Licchavi republic) during the 1970s and 1980s. Jajmani system is a prominent feature of this feudalistic self-sufficient village economic system. It primarily means that local artisans produce the goods locally for local consumption.

The term jajman means a person who performs a yajna (sacrifice ritual). Later on it was identified with the householder who hired services or to whom the services were offered. It is a system of distribution whereby high caste land-owning families are provided...