History • Ancient IndiaMedium
In the context of ancient Indian polity and administrative vocabulary, what did the term 'Bali' denote during the later Vedic period?
A. A voluntary gift or offering made to the chief or king
B. A compulsory agricultural tax collected by royal officials✓ Correct Answer
C. A military tribute exacted from conquered foreign territories
D. A toll tax levied on merchants at city gates
💡 Solution & Explanation
During the later Vedic period, the term 'bali' evolved from a voluntary tribute or gift offered to tribal chiefs into a regular, compulsory agricultural tax collected by special royal officials known as bhagadugha. This structural change reflected the transition from an egalitarian tribal society to a stratified territorial state. Ancient Indian administrative terminology is frequently tested in history papers.
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