What is Feudal System? What are its features? Write the features of European Medieval Feudal System?

 

Question: What is Feudal System? What are its features? Write the features of European Medieval Feudal System?

 

Ans:

Introduction: In Europe the period between from the fall of Roman Empire, till the inception of Renaissance is called Medieval period. Roughly 500 A.D. to 1500 A.D. is considered as Medieval Period in Europe. Medieval age had become synonymous with Feudal System. We can see the influence of feudal system in political, economic and social spheres.

2. Features of Feudal System: Feudalism emerged from the word ‘fief’. Fief means a piece of land obtained in return for service. These fiefs were very large in size. Fiefs or Estates were given to big nobles named Dukes and Earls. These dukes and earls further sub-infeudated the estate to Barons and Knights. Knights provide military service. Farmers grow crops in the estates. In return Knights provide military help to Baron. In the same military service is provided by Barons to Dukes, Dukes to King.

Duke – Marquis – Earl – Baron - Knight

 

3. Honor of Lords: In medieval European feudal society lower level lords used to bow before their over lords as a token of their allegiance. Sub-lords used to send gifts to kings on special occasions like marriage, birthday celebrations etc. Feudal Lords led a luxurious life.  

4. Knights: Knights were warriors. They were considered as justice personified. Duel was a favorite sport of Knights. They respected women and were ever ready for the protection of their lives and honor. They wear iron helmets and armour. Sword and broad axe were their weapons. They used to roam on horses.

5. Farmers: Farmers are at the lowest rung in the feudal system. There were 3types of farmers during medieval period.

            A. 1^st Grade Farmers               B. 2^nd Grade Farmers              C. 3^rd Grade Farmers.

            A. Free Holders / 1^st Grade Farmers: 1^st grade farmers get land from nobles and after harvesting they directly pay tax to the king. They don’t work in the lands of kings or nobles. They were called fief holders or free holders.

            B. Villein / Tenants / 2^nd Grade Farmers:  These farmers get land from nobles / land lords and pay some share from the harvest to the noble. They also work for free in the lands of land lords. 

            C. Serfs / 3^rd Grade Farmers: Serfs were farming slaves. They were attached to the land. If the land is passed to other feudal lord, the serfs also transferred along with the land. Their daily schedule depends on the schedule of the feudal lord. Serf cannot marry. Serf had to render free and compulsory service to the feudal lord, at the lords’ home as well as in his farm land.

5. Manorial System: Manorial system got its name from (Manoir – French)/ ‘Manor’. Manor is a big mansion in vast farm land around it. Usually they were located in rural areas.

In feudal system farmers life was in pitiable condition.

Manumission – Release from slavery.