Abstract:
In this article specific issue of the economic history of East Georgia
is discussed, namely, peasant family farming condition. The historical
sources are numerous for the study of history of the late feudal epoch of
Georgia. From many different types of documents precise information
concerning average size of peasant farming could be absorbed. Also,
precise accounts concerning the prices of the main commodity products
are found in historical sources, based on these it is possible to calculate
yearly revenue of peasants from harvest in monetary units.
The social condition of peasants was not equal – peasant without
land tenure were called “bogano”, there were peasants with small amount
of land tenure, also with average amount of land tenure and more
wealthier peasants. Despite the differentiation it is quite possible to
calculate the average size of land tenure they used and the net worth of
their gross product. According to fiscal census of 1804 and other
historical data it is attested that peasants with average revenue, which
were the majority, held approx. 12-15 daily land tenure (one daily land
tenure was equal to 0.5 ha.). From this amount of land tenure it was
possible to cultivat max. 6-7.5 daily land tenure every year. Due to the
limited technical conditions and for obtaining the maximum amount of
harvest the land breaking was very important. Small piece of land was
used for the vegetables, fruits and other cultures while 5-6 daily lands
were used to seed wheat and barley. Each family could harvest 100-120
codi (one codi is equal to 30-36 kg.) of crops. Market price for those
commodities was 58-70 minaltuni. Peasant families with average revenue had their own vineyards and, also, cow, ships, chickens rarely oxen,
horses etc. Average value of yearly produced product was more than 100
minaltuni. The major part of generated product was intended for taxes
and personal use and small amount was sold in market. Revenue obtained
from trading was used to cover the taxes again.
