III (2 c ii) Earlier economic systems were based on customs, conventions and traditions.
ii. Jajmani system
A similar system existed in North India known as the Jajmani system. The word Jajman comes from the sanskrit word “Yajman” which means the lord & master or one who feeds the person periodically or permanently.
This system is a religious oriented practice of priesthood i.e. Brahmins designated as Pandas. The livelihood of these pandas was socially arranged. They attended religious & semi-religious practices throughout the year.(poojas, marriages, etc.) in the house of the jajman.
This panda was attached to the Indian Hindu family or families. The jajman made annual payment to the panda in cash or kind. The relation between the jajman (head of the family) & the panda(the family priest) came to be known as the Jajmani system which commenced centuries ago & continued down several generations.
This system supported the brahmins & the supporters were Kshatryas, Vaishyas, etc. Functions were assigned to each on the basis of the caste.
This system too is based on the village self-sufficiency.