SOKEN Meaning and
Definition
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Soken refers to a historical term predominantly used in feudal Japan, particularly during the medieval and early modern periods. The term "Soken" comes from the Japanese word "sōken," which can be translated to mean "tenant farmers" or "field peasants."
In the feudal system of Japan, soken were individuals who were granted the right to cultivate and reside on a specified portion of land owned by a landlord or a more powerful figure. In exchange for this privilege, the soken was required to pay rent or provide a portion of their harvest as tribute to the landowner. Soken were typically lower-ranking members of society who did not possess vast amounts of land or political power.
The soken system played a crucial role in the economic and social structure of feudal Japan, as it ensured a stable agricultural base and provided sustenance for the ruling class. Through the soken system, farmland was allocated to families or communities, allowing them to engage in subsistence farming and generate surplus crops for taxation or trade.
Soken also had certain rights and protections under the law, as they were legally recognized as tenants of the land. However, they were subject to the authority and control of their landlords, who held significant power over them.
Overall, soken were an essential part of the feudal order in Japan, providing labor and resources to the ruling class in exchange for the right to cultivate the land.
Common Misspellings for SOKEN
Etymology of SOKEN
The word "Soken" has its origins in Old English and Middle English. It is derived from the Old English word "socn", which means "liberty", "jurisdiction", or "right". In Middle English, it became "soken" and referred to a jurisdictional or territorial right granted to a lord, typically related to specific control over land or privileges within a particular locality. Over time, the meaning of "soken" shifted to also refer to the rights and privileges associated with land tenure, especially in rural areas of England.
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