Describing the history of India through terms, concepts, events and brief biographies.
Now 350 plus relevant entries and still counting
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Satri
Satri: Satree
Satri was a special cadre of spies found mentioned in Arthshastra. The term is generally translated as a class mate or a colleague.
The members of this cadre were trained since their childhood for the purpose of spying. they were mainly orphans recruited for the job. they moved around as saints or astrologers - the two classes of people in whom the people confide the hidden secrets.
Special Note:
Arthshastra has mentioned nine types of spies among whom Satri is one of them. The others are Kaptaik Chhatra - fraudulent disciple, Udasthitha - a recluse, Grihapatik - a householder, Tikshna - a fire brand, Rasada - a prisoner, Vaidekhaka - a merchant, Tapasa - an ascetic practising austerities and a mendicant women.
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Duhsadhasadhanika
Duhsadhasadhanika: DUH-sdha saadhanika
Duhsadhasadhanika was a special officer employed by kings of ancient India to track down and apprehend bandits.
Authority Referred: A. L. Basham, Wonder That Was India
Remarks: They may be equated to Special Task Forces formed to apprehend the special categories of criminals like smugglers or drug mafia or economic offenders etc of the present days. Even 'Black Cat' forces may also be identified as similar to Duhasadhasadhanika. Well, it is my opinion. I have not found much elaboration on this term. It is found in A. L. Basham with some elaboration which is basis of the definition above.
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From the Vedas to the Manu-Samhita: A Cultural Study
Pradvivaka
Pradvivaka:
The person holding the post of Pradvivaka in ancient period of Indian history acted as a legal adviser to the king. The person was also responsible for justice along with the king and acted as a judge.
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Dāya-vibhāga: Or, The individualization of communal property and the communalization of individual property in the Mitakshara law
Hindu Code: Containing, book I. Hindu Succession Act, 30 of 1956; book II. Mitakshara coparcenary; book II-A. Dayabhaga joint family; book III. Hindu Minority ... Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 78 of 1956
Daya-Vibhaga, or, The individualization of communal property and the communalization of individual property in the Mitakshara Law (Karnatak University. Silver Jubilee year publication)
Dharam Shastra Hindu Religious Codes 6VL
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Dayabhaga
Dayabhaga:
Dayabhaga is a legal commentary by Jimutavahana. Dayabhaga defines the basis of inheritance. It forms the part of a compilation titled Dharmratna. The present law of inheritance among the Hindus in India are based on Dayabhaga commentary by Jimutavahna.
Daya means a wealth which becomes property of a person by reason of a relationship with the actual owner. Hence, it defines that how property transfers from a father to his sons and other relations.
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Mitakshara
Mitakshara:
It is a law book written by Yogi Vigyaneshwara. According to B. D. Basu, he serves as the principal authority in law even before the codification of Hindu law in Modern period. B. D. Basu argues that he was associated with King Bhoja. However, A. L. Basham had specifically written that he was a jurist at the court of Chalukya King Vikramadity VI (1075-1127). B. D. Basu translated a treatise of Vigyaneshwara for the British government wherein he states that Vigyaneshwara was son of Upadhyaya Bharavaja Padmanabhabhatta.
Anyhow, the present civil law of India and Hindu property law have incorporated the legal theories and interpretations as given in Mitakshara.
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Sandhivigrahika
Sandhivigrahika: Sandhee vigrahi K
A. L. Basham has translated the term to 'minister of peace and war'. The post is mentioned by Kautilya in Arthashastra as one of the minister of the emperor. However, the person to such a post was found appointed by Gupta Empire. Apart from the work of a foreign minister or secretary, Sandhivigrahika also performed the work of a military general. He accompanied the emperor on campaigns.
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