evolution of Indian Legal System

Question 1

Flashcard 1: Vedic Period (1500-500 BCE)

Answer 1

Key Sources of Law: The Vedas and Dharmaśāstras, like Manusmriti.
Justice System: Local assemblies (Sabha, Samiti) administered justice.
Core Principle: Dharma (duty/righteousness) governed legal and social conduct.

Question 2

Flashcard 2: Post-Vedic Period (500 BCE – 200 CE

Answer 2

Key Legal Texts: Yajnavalkya Smriti, Narada Smriti.
Role of Kings: Kings were supreme judges, overseeing various levels of courts.
Punishment Principle: Proportional punishment based on caste and crime.

Question 3

Buddhist and Mauryan Period (500 BCE - 300 CE)

Answer 3

Buddhism’s Influence: Promoted non-violence and moral law (Dhamma).
Mauryan Empire: Emperor Ashoka’s edicts promoted justice and welfare for all.

Question 4

Gupta Period (300-600 CE)

Answer 4

Legal Texts: Kautilya’s Arthashastra, a detailed guide on legal matters and statecraft.
Court Structure: More structured judicial system with specialized courts and judges.

Question 5

South India – Ancient Legal System

Answer 5

Sangam Age: Legal principles expressed in Tamil poetry (Purananuru, Akananuru).
Chola Kingdom: Strong legal system with the king as the ultimate judicial authority, and the Dharmasanam as the highest appellate court.

Question 6

Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526)

Answer 6

Islamic Law (Sharia): Administered by Qazis based on Quran and Hadith.
Dual System: Hindu personal laws continued for issues like marriage and inheritance.

Question 7

Mughal Era (1526-1857)

Answer 7

Akbar’s Legal Reforms: Ain-i-Akbari codified legal practices blending Islamic law with local customs.
Judicial Hierarchy: Local Qazi courts and Sadr courts, with the Emperor as the final judicial authority.

Question 8

Panchayats and Local Governance (Mughal Era)

Answer 8

Village Councils: Panchayats resolved minor disputes based on customary laws, contributing to early decentralized legal processes.