Evolution Of Varta In Ancient Bharat

Varta was an important subject of knowledge in ancient Bharat, the scope of which was centered on economics and creating wealth. Varta was supposed to have been in existence in Bharat since the time of the Indus Valley Civilization. Numerous Vedic texts covered details specific to Varta.

There is an elaborate description of Varta in the epics Ramayana and Mahabharatha, as well. Varta was practiced even during the regimes of the Mauryas and the Guptas. This article is going to focus on points related to the evolution of Varta in ancient India.

• The study of Varta enabled people to be in a position of “Dwijja,” which can be considered as a synonym for self-sufficiency. This subject provided people with the knowledge that is essential for living their life independently. Varta equipped individuals with all the needed skills. These competencies ensured that one was able to appropriately earn their living, and lead a comfortable life.
• Initially, only animal husbandry, trade, and agriculture were included under Varta. And, all these occupations were carried out primarily by the Vysyas.

• Varta was a non-Brahmanical concept. Brahmins confined themselves only to teaching Varta to their disciples, but they never took up these professions.
• Varta was a non-Brahmanical concept. Brahmins confined themselves only to teaching Varta to their disciples, but they never took up these professions.
• The subject also encompassed aspects of the national economy. In that era, it was a major responsibility of rulers to be fully knowledgeable about Varta. It was only then that they were able to maintain economic stability in the region.
• With time, even handicrafts and sculpting got added under Varta. That was in direct response to the scenario where more and more people started taking up these occupations.
• From the 1st century AD, there was a noteworthy increase in both the size and scale of the temples. This is one of the significant reasons for the growth in the popularity of sculpting as a professional activity. Here, we can take the example of the Brihadeshwara Temple built in the tenth century AD. This temple is as tall as a building of 26 stories.
• The Bhagavata Purana mentions that Lord Krishna studied Varta. Krishna highlighted the relevance of trade/commerce, agriculture, and animal breeding. In this Purana, it’s observed that the Lord went on to include money lending as a chief element of Varta. Based on that, it can be inferred that money lending was a business activity that was extensively practiced during the times of Lord Krishna.
• There is a detailed explanation of Varta in several other ancient texts such as Arthashastra, Sukra Neeti, Harivamsa, and Dharmasastras.
• There are some variations in the manner in which the subject was discussed in different scriptures. Yet, all the texts are unanimous in one key aspect. It is indispensable for emperors to make certain that they keep themselves updated about facets related to Varta. The rulers were necessitated to provide an environment where the subjects faced no hassles in carrying out their professions.
• There are some variations in the manner in which the subject was discussed in different scriptures. Yet, all the texts are unanimous in one key aspect. It is indispensable for emperors to make certain that they keep themselves updated about facets related to Varta. The rulers were necessitated to provide an environment where the subjects faced no hassles in carrying out their professions.