Understanding Chola Land Grants from Inscriptions

The question asks to identify the only correct pair describing land grants during the Chola period based on their inscriptions. Chola inscriptions are a crucial source of information about their administration, society, and economy, including different types of land tenures and grants.

Let's examine each pair presented in the options:

• Shalabhoga: This term refers to land granted for the maintenance of a school or a place of learning. Therefore, the pairing "Shalabhoga – land gifted to Brahmanas" is incorrect. Land gifted to Brahmanas was typically known by a different term.
• Pallichchhandam: This term specifically denotes land donated to Jaina institutions or monasteries (Pallis). Historical records and inscriptions from the Chola period confirm this type of grant for the support of Jaina establishments. Thus, the pairing "Pallichchhandam – land donated to Jaina institutions" is accurate.
• Brahmadeya: This term refers to land gifted to individual Brahmanas or a group of Brahmanas, often rent-free. Therefore, the pairing "Brahmadeya – land gifted to temples" is incorrect. Land gifted to temples was known by another term, often Devadana or Tirunamattukkani.
• Vellanvagai: This term denotes land held by non-Brahmana peasant proprietors. These were common villagers who owned land. Therefore, the pairing "Vellanvagai – land of Brahmana peasant proprietors" is incorrect. Land of Brahmana proprietors would fall under Brahmadeya or similar categories.

Based on the analysis of Chola inscriptions and historical records, only the second pair, "Pallichchhandam – land donated to Jaina institutions", accurately describes the type of land grant and its recipient during the Chola period.

Different Types of Land Grants in Chola Inscriptions

Chola inscriptions mention various types of land grants, each with specific beneficiaries:

Comparing the provided options with these standard classifications found in Chola inscriptions, it is clear that only the pairing for Pallichchhandam is correct.

Analysis of Options

• Option 1 (Shalabhoga – land gifted to Brahmanas): Incorrect. Shalabhoga was for schools.
• Option 2 (Pallichchhandam – land donated to Jaina institutions): Correct. Pallichchhandam was for Jaina institutions.
• Option 3 (Brahmadeya – land gifted to temples): Incorrect. Brahmadeya was for Brahmanas.
• Option 4 (Vellanvagai – land of Brahmana peasant proprietors): Incorrect. Vellanvagai was for non-Brahmana peasants.

Therefore, the only correct pair as described by Chola inscriptions is Pallichchhandam – land donated to Jaina institutions.

Revision Table: Chola Land Grants

Additional Information: Chola Inscriptions and Society

Chola inscriptions are invaluable sources for understanding the history of South India. They are found on temple walls, stones, and copper plates.

• Sources of History: Inscriptions provide details about administrative divisions, taxation, irrigation systems, village assemblies (ur, sabha, nagaram), land grants, social structure, and religious practices.
• Land System: The Chola economy was agrarian, and land ownership and grants played a significant role. Land grants were made to various individuals and institutions, influencing the social and economic hierarchy.
• Religious Patronage: Chola rulers and elites patronized various religious sects, including Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Buddhism, and Jainism, which is reflected in the land grants made to temples, monasteries, and other religious institutions.
• Village Autonomy: Inscriptions like the Uttiramerur inscription provide detailed accounts of the functioning of village assemblies and local self-governance, highlighting the autonomy enjoyed by villages in certain aspects of administration.