LAND GRANTS

AND
ADMINISTRATIVE RIGHTS
[Indian Feudalism Chapter 1]
 Land Grants and Administrative Rights
in Ancient and Medieval India
In ancient and medieval India, land grants and administrative rights played a
crucial role in shaping the socio-economic and political landscape. Land grants
were awarded to individuals, temples, and institutions by rulers and monarchs,
often carrying privileges and responsibilities. Administrative rights were
exercised by the state or its representatives, encompassing taxation, justice, and
governance. The evolution of land grants and administrative rights in Indian
feudalism, examining their impact on social hierarchies, economic systems, and
political structures.
 Evolution of Land Grants and
Administrative Rights in India
Ancient India (1500 BCE - 500 CE) 1
Land grants were made to Brahmins, temples, and other religious
institutions. Administrative rights were granted to local chieftains
2 Medieval India (500 - 1500 CE)
and officials.
Land grants were made to feudal lords, nobles, and religious
institutions. Administrative rights were granted to governors,
Mughal Empire (1526 - 1756 CE) district officials, and village headmen.
3
Land grants were made to jagirdars (feudal lords) and zamindars
(landowners). Administrative rights were granted to governors,
4 British Colonial Era (1757 - 1947 CE)
district officials, and village headmen.
Land grants were made to British officials, planters, and Indian
elites. Administrative rights were granted to British officials,
Independent India (1947 CE - present) district collectors, and village headmen.
5
Land reforms were implemented to abolish feudalism and
redistribute land. Administrative rights are now granted to elected
representatives, government officials, and local self-government
institutions.
 Land Grants
In Indian feudalism, land grants were the allocation of land and administrative rights
to individuals, groups, or institutions by the ruling monarch or feudal lord. These
grants were often made in exchange for loyalty, military service, or other forms of
support.
Types of land grants
1Brahmadeya: Land grants given to Brahmins for religious or educational purposes.
2. Devadana: Land donated to temples or religious institutions for maintenance and
rituals.
3. Agrahara: Villages granted to Brahmins with privileges like tax exemptions.
4. Vellanvagai: Land granted to non-Brahmin peasant communities for cultivation.
5. Palli Chandam: Lands granted to Jain institutions or monks for religious activities.
6. Military grants: Lands given to soldiers or warriors for military service, such as Iqta
or Jagir.
Specific Land Grant Types

Mokasa Sasanam
Temple land grants for specific purposes Brahmin land grants for specific purposes

Manyam Kondapalli
Land grants for specific purposes Land grants for specific purposes
Additional Land Grant Types

Peshkash Watan
Gift land grants Military service land grants
 Land Grants in Ancient India
- The Ashoka Pillar Edict at Sarnath, which records a land grant to the Buddhist
sangha.
- The Gupta Empire's land grant to the Brahmin scholar, Varahamihira.
- The Pallava dynasty's land grant to the temple of Sriparttudaiyar.
- The Chola dynasty's land grant to the temple of Brihadeeswarar.
Administrative Rights in Land Grants
Administrative rights are the authority and powers granted
to individuals or groups to manage, govern, and make
decisions regarding a particular territory, organization, or
institution
In the context of land grants in Indian feudalism,
administrative rights include:
1. Samanta rights:
Feudal lords or vassals held land grants directly from
the king and had rights to:
- Taxation
- Justice
- Governance
2.Mandala right
-
Territorial divisions or provinces within a kingdom had rights to:
Governance
- Taxation
- Justice
 Vishya rights:
Sub-territorial divisions within a Mandala had rights to:
- Land management
- Revenue collection
- Justice
4. Grama rights:
Village-level administrative units had rights to:
- Land management
- Revenue collection
- Justice
5. Brahmadeya rights:
Brahmins or temples held land grants and had rights to:
- Taxation
- Justice
- Governance
6. Agrahara rights:
Individuals or groups held land grants and had rights to:
- Land management
- Revenue collection
- Justice
Holders of administrative rights in land grants in
Indian feudalism:

1. Feudal Lords (Samantas)

2. Nobles (Thakurs)
3. High-ranking Officials (Mantri)
4. Brahmins and Temples (Brahmadeya)
5. Village Headmen (Gramani)
1. Mauryan Dynasty (322-185 BCE):
- Taxation rights
- Justice rights
- Governance rights
- Military command rights
2. Gupta Dynasty (320-550 CE):
- Administrative rights over land grants (e.g., Brahmadeya, Agrahara)
- Taxation rights
- Justice rights
- Governance rights
3. Mughal Dynasty (1526-1756 CE):
- Jagir system (feudal lords were granted land and administrative
rights)
- Zamindari system (landowners were granted administrative rights
over their estates)
- Taxation rights
- Justice rights
4. Vijayanagara Dynasty (1336-1646 CE):
- Administrative rights over land grants (e.g., Inam, Sarvagrama)
- Taxation rights
- Justice rights
- Governance rights
5. Maratha Dynasty (1674-1818 CE):
- Administrative rights over land grants (e.g., Inam, Jagir)
- Taxation rights
- Justice rights
- Military command rights
Regional Aspects of Land Grants and Administrative Rights
Different states in India have distinct laws, policies, and administrative structures governing land
grants and rights.
- Tamil Nadu: The Tamil Nadu Land Reforms Act (1963) aims to redistribute land to
small farmers and marginalized communities.
- Maharashtra: The Maharashtra Land Revenue Code (1966) regulates land
administration, including land grants and rights.
- Odisha: The Odisha Land Rights to Slum Dwellers Act (2017) grants land rights to
slum dwellers in urban areas.
 CONCLUSION :

- Land grants and administrative rights were key components of Indian Feudalism.

- Grants included Brahmadeya, Agrahara, Inam, Jagir, and Zamindari, each with
distinct administrative rights.
- Administrative Rights comprised:
Taxation, Justice, Governance, Military command, Appointments, Land
management, Law and order, Dispute resolution, Infrastructure
development, Public services.
- The system maintained the ruling class's power and control.
- Shaped medieval India's social, economic, and political structures.