Understanding Chola Land Grants for Education

During the reign of the Chola dynasty in South India, various types of land grants were made to individuals and institutions. These grants were often recorded on stone inscriptions and copper plates, providing valuable insights into the socio-economic and administrative practices of the time. The question asks specifically about the term used for land given for the maintenance of a school during the Chola period.

Analyzing Chola Land Grant Terms

The Chola inscriptions mention different categories of land grants, each designated for a specific purpose:

• Brahmadeya: This refers to land gifted to Brahmanas. These lands were often exempt from taxes and played a significant role in promoting learning and religious activities.
• Shalabhog: This term denotes land granted for the maintenance of a school or educational institution. The revenue generated from such land was used to support the functioning of the school, including the upkeep of the building, payment of teachers, and other expenses.
• Vellanavagai: This was the land of non-Brahmana peasant proprietors. This was the most common type of land holding and formed the basis of the agricultural economy.
• Devdan (or Tirunamattukkani): This refers to land gifted to temples. The income from these lands was used for the maintenance of the temple, performance of rituals, and upkeep of temple staff.

Identifying the Land for School Maintenance

Based on the descriptions from Chola inscriptions, the specific term used for land allocated for the maintenance of a school was Shalabhog. This highlights the importance the Cholas placed on education, ensuring that educational institutions had dedicated resources for their operation.

Therefore, the land given for the maintenance of a school during the reign of the Cholas was known as Shalabhog.

Revision Table: Chola Terms

Additional Information: Education in the Chola Period

The Cholas were patrons of learning and literature. Temples often served as centers of education, but dedicated institutions like schools (mathas or ghatikas) also existed. The land grants like Shalabhog ensured a steady income source for these educational centers, allowing them to function and provide education, often focusing on Vedic studies, grammar, philosophy, and other subjects. The existence of specific land grants for schools underscores the importance of formal education within the Chola administrative framework.