Explain Economic life of the Inkas.

The economic life of the Inca Empire was characterized by a centrally planned and highly organized system that facilitated the distribution of resources, supported a large population, and sustained the empire's vast territorial holdings in the Andean region of South America.

1. Agriculture: The backbone of the Inca economy was agriculture, which thrived in the diverse ecological zones of the Andes. The Incas implemented sophisticated terracing techniques to cultivate crops such as maize, potatoes, quinoa, and various tubers at different altitudes. They also practiced irrigation, using canals and aqueducts to bring water to arid areas.

2. Labor and Mit'a System: The Inca economy heavily relied on labor, and the state organized the workforce through a system known as mit'a. This system required able-bodied men to contribute labor for state projects like agriculture, construction of roads, bridges, and temples, and military service. In return, the state provided basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter.

3. State Control and Redistribution: The Inca government exercised strict control over economic activities. Surplus agricultural produce and other resources were collected in state-run storehouses known as qollqas. The state then redistributed these goods to meet the needs of different regions and communities, ensuring a relatively equitable distribution of resources across the empire.

4. Trade and Exchange: While the Inca Empire was largely self-sufficient due to its diverse ecological zones, trade still played a role in the economy. The Incas established an extensive road network, including the famous Inca Road (Qhapaq Ñan), facilitating communication and trade between different regions of the empire. Trade primarily involved luxury goods such as textiles, ceramics, precious metals, and coca leaves.

5. Economic Specialization: The Inca Empire encouraged economic specialization among its subjects. Certain communities or ethnic groups were known for specific crafts or industries, such as textile production, metallurgy (particularly gold and silver work), pottery, and jewelry making. This specialization contributed to the economic diversity and cultural richness of the empire.

6. Redistributive Economy: The Inca economic system can be characterized as a redistributive economy, where surplus production was collected and redistributed by the state to support the population and sustain the empire's expansion. This centralized economic model allowed the Inca rulers to maintain control over their vast territories and ensure social cohesion.

In summary, the economic life of the Inca Empire was organized around agriculture, labor taxation, state-controlled redistribution, and trade. The empire's economic success was built on the Inca state's ability to harness the resources of diverse ecological regions, maintain a large labor force through the mit'a system, and efficiently manage production and distribution through centralized planning and administration.