MCQ: Agrarian Structure In The Post Gupta Period - 2 - UPSC MCQ

The land grants in North India

• Punish thieves and other criminals.
• Maintain social order within their allocated territories.
• Manage local governance effectively.

Such grants were significant in establishing a system of local administration and justice, allowing landholders to take direct action against crime.

The decline of royal authority began in the 5th century due to various significant factors:

• The right to punish criminals was handed over to local intermediaries, weakening central power.

• Tax-free villages were granted to Brahmanas, and land grants were also given to officials, which shifted resources away from the crown.

• Beneficiaries of these land grants relied on peasants or share-croppers to cultivate their lands, further diminishing royal control.

• Brahmanas and others not only collected taxes but also took on the role of maintaining law and order in their villages, which eroded the monarch's authority.

Ostensibly, land grants were made on religious grounds; however, the main purpose behind donating land was:

• To alleviate the financial burden on the exchequer.
• To expand the area of cultivation through private initiatives.
• To gain the favour of the Brahamanas.
• To seek the blessings of the gods by satisfying the Brahamanas.

A significant feature of this period was the practice of paying salaries not in cash but with grants of land.

• The financial viability of the state declined as a potential reason for this practice.

• Hiuen Tsang specifically mentioned this practice in his accounts of India, which serves as a historical reference.

• Numerous land-grant inscriptions in stone and metal have been found from this period, indicating the frequency of such grants.

• However, none of the above options directly disprove the existence of this practice.

The right of sub-infeudation, given to those receiving land grants, had significant impacts on the peasantry. Here are the main effects:

• It reduced the peasant's share of the produce, as the yield had to be divided among more parties.

• Peasants found themselves dependent on the vassals of the landlord, limiting their autonomy.

• This change shifted permanent tenants to a status akin to tenants-at-will, making their security unstable.

Village councils in South India played a significant role in local governance and community welfare.

• They were responsible for collecting revenue within the village.

• The councils had near ownership of village waste land, including the right to sell it.

• They actively participated in communal welfare, undertaking projects such as:

  • Digging and renewing reservoirs
  • Building canals
  • Improving roads

• Importantly, they did not have any judicial functions.

The status of villages in South India during the medieval period varied depending on their tenure. The most common type of village was one where:

• Inter-caste population: Villages had diverse communities that paid taxes to the king in the form of land revenue.
• Communal ownership: Land was owned collectively by the community.
• Devandana villages: Revenue was collected by temple authorities.
• Brahmadeya villages: Entire villages or their lands were donated to a Brahmana or a group of Brahmanas.

The villages with an inter-caste population paying taxes were the most frequent during this period.

In the South, crown lands were rented out to

• Tenants-at-will: These tenants had a flexible arrangement, allowing them to occupy land without a fixed term, providing they paid rent.

• Tenants-in-chief: This term refers to individuals who held land directly from the crown, often with specific obligations.

• Tenant-farmers: These were the most common type of tenant who worked on the land and had a more stable arrangement, often with a long-term lease.

• Permanent tenants: These tenants had a secure and long-lasting agreement to rent land, often with rights that protected their tenancy.

Erapatti was a unique type of land in the South, designated for specific purposes. The revenue generated from this land was primarily utilised for:

• Maintenance of village roads

• Supporting permanent tenants

• Funding the construction of irrigation projects

• Providing for the poor

The main focus of the revenue was to ensure the welfare of the community, particularly in feeding those in need.

The transfer of royal rights over salt and mining manufacture had several significant implications:

• Transfer of sovereignty: This shift meant that control over these resources was handed over from the crown to private individuals or entities, altering the power dynamics.

• Exploitation of miners: With private ownership, there was a risk of miners facing unfair treatment and harsh working conditions as profit motives took precedence.

• Regular income: The donees could generate consistent revenue from these resources, ensuring their financial stability and encouraging investment in infrastructure.

• Private monopoly: Control over essential resources by a few individuals could lead to monopolistic practices, limiting competition and harming consumers.

The share of produce received by labourers when accompanied by food is one-fifth.

The basic tax during this period was known as Bhaga. This tax was significant in the economic framework of the time and played a crucial role in the functioning of the society. Below are key points regarding Bhaga:

• Definition: Bhaga was essentially a form of taxation imposed on agricultural produce.
• Purpose: It was intended to support the ruling authorities and maintain public services.
• Collection: Bhaga was typically collected from farmers and landowners.
• Impact: This tax influenced economic stability and resource distribution within the community.

Malla-kara and turshka-danda refer to specific types of taxation. Here is a breakdown of their meanings:

• A tax imposed by the Central Government to combat threats from marauding tribes.

• A tax applied specifically to foreigners.

• A public collection imposed on foreign nationals.

• A penalty for tax evasion that targets individuals who fail to pay their taxes.

The range of land revenue in the South during this period was between:

• One-tenth to one-sixteenth

• One-sixth to one-tenth

• One-fourth to one-sixth

• One-third to one-fourth

The correct answer is one-sixth to one-tenth.

Tanjore is renowned for its fragrant rice, which is highly valued for its unique aroma and taste. This region, located in Tamil Nadu, India, has a rich agricultural heritage that supports the cultivation of various rice varieties. The following points highlight why Tanjore is famous for its rice:

• Historical Significance: Tanjore has been a hub for rice cultivation for centuries, with traditional farming methods passed down through generations.
• Ideal Climate: The region's climate and fertile soil create optimal conditions for growing aromatic rice.
• Variety: Tanjore is known for producing several unique rice varieties, each with its own distinct fragrance and flavour.
• Cultural Importance: Rice plays a central role in local cuisine and traditions, making it a significant part of Tanjore's identity.

Overall, Tanjore's combination of climate, soil, and cultural practices contributes to its reputation as a leading producer of fragrant rice.

When royal troops and officials visited the village, the villagers were expected to perform several services:

• Provide provisions: Villagers were required to supply food and other essentials to support the troops.
• Contribute money: Financial support was necessary to assist with the costs incurred by the royal presence.
• Offer cattle for transport: Cattle were often needed to help in transporting goods and people.

These contributions were essential for the smooth operation of the royal forces during their stay in the village.

Halavhaaka, Karsakaka, and Kinasa are terms associated with the role of plough drivers within agricultural labour. These terms represent different sections of field workers who contributed significantly to farming practices. Each term reflects a specific duty or classification among the labourers:

• Halavhaaka: This term denotes a certain type of plough driver, highlighting their essential role in the agricultural process.
• Karsakaka: Refers to another category of workers involved in ploughing, emphasizing their contribution to the cultivation of land.
• Kinasa: This term also identifies plough drivers, indicating the diversity of roles within the agricultural workforce.

Overall, these terms collectively represent different aspects of the field labourers’ responsibilities, showcasing the importance of their work in agriculture.

Agrarian refers to matters related to the management and ownership of land, particularly in the context of agriculture. Here are key points about the term:

• Agriculture: The primary focus is on the cultivation of crops and livestock.
• Land Rights: It involves the legal rights associated with owning and using land for farming.
• Rural Development: Agrarian concepts often encompass the improvement of rural areas and farming practices.

In summary, the term agrarian is closely linked to agriculture and the legal frameworks that govern land use.

The granting of land to Brahamanas in underdeveloped regions had significant consequences for Indian society after the 5th and 6th centuries A.D. Key impacts included:

• Transformation of Social Roles: The indigenous peasants were reclassified as the new Sudras, affecting their social standing.
• Impact on Vaishya Peasants: Land grants in more prosperous areas diminished the status and importance of the Vaishya agricultural class.
• Spread of Language: The use of Prakrit and Sanskrit was encouraged, leading to greater cultural exchange.
• Shift to Agriculture: Brahamanas began to engage more actively in agriculture, altering traditional economic roles.

Rice was the primary crop in the South, serving two main purposes:

• It was a staple food for the local population.
• It functioned as a unit of barter and a commercial crop when there was a surplus.

Additionally, the region had:

• Extensive coconut palm plantations, with the tree's produce being utilised in various ways.
• A high demand for oil extracted from cotton and gingelly seeds.
• Cultivation of both the palmyra and areca palms for local use.