Meaning, Features, and Demerits of Feudalism

What is Feudalism?

Feudalism was a socio-political and economic system that existed during the Middle Ages and was based on land ownership between the lords and the serfs. This political system is based on a land tenureLand tenure means the act of acquiring land either by an individual, family, community or government, temporarily or permanently. It determines who can use land, for how long and under what... More system. The political and social rights of the people are determined by whether or not they own land. This aspect was practised in Europe in the medieval ages.

Features of Feudalism:

(i) It is based on land ownership.

(ii) Ownership of land is vested in kings.

(iii) Feudal tenants give military service to the overlords.

(iv) Only a vassal of the Lord can receive and from the landlord.

(v) A vassal keeps the land as long as he performs his feudal duties to the landlords e.g. payment of tributes, and military service to his landlord.

(vi) The land goes back to the Lord when the vassal dies without an heir.

(vii) The King is the lawmaker, the judge as well as commander of his vassals.

(viii) The serf is the lowest class under feudalism.

(ix) The serf (tenants) pay their overlord’s annual tributes in money or kind.

(x) The overlords are duty-bound to protect the serfs.

Demerits of Feudalism:

(i) This system was weak as every lord wielded some political power.

(ii) The system was exploitative, the seeds were used.

(iii) It encouraged injustice, The Lord presided over disagreements between himself and the land tenants.

(iv) There was no security of land ownership. A land being worked on by a serf could be taken from him and given to another. 

(v) The system did not encourage personal initiative and creativity.

(vi) The system was undemocratic.

(vii) The system encouraged domination. It produced powerful Lords who controlled and dictated the socio-economic and political lives of the tenants.