Ownership of the Soil in Ancient India : The evidence of certain texts discussed
By U. N. Ghoshal
Summary
Responding to K. P. Jayaswal’s theory that the king owned all land in ancient India, Ghoshal re‑examines legal and literary sources. He analyses passages from Manu, Yājñavalkya, the Mahābhārata and inscriptions to argue that private ownership existed alongside royal overlordship. Landholders paid taxes and owed allegiance to the king but could transfer, mortgage or bequeath their holdings. The article discusses various tenures, such as brahmadeya grants, and notes the concept of bhūmiphala (fruits of the soil) belonging to the cultivator. Ghoshal contends that the king was seen as the protector rather than proprietor of the soil.
Conclusion
The study concludes that ancient Indian society recognised forms of private land ownership and that state claims were limited by customary rights. The debate reflects differing interpretations of dharma texts rather than a uniform doctrine of state ownership.