The Uttarmerur inscription is an important source of knowledge for understanding the functioning of village assemblies during the medieval period in South India. The inscription was discovered in a temple in Uttarmerur, a village in the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu. It is believed to date back to the 10th century CE and provides valuable insights into the administrative and social systems of that era.

Functioning of the Sabha
The inscription gives details of the functioning of the village assembly or Sabha. The Sabha was a democratically elected body that was responsible for the governance of the village. The inscription describes the election process, qualifications for membership, and the functions of the Sabha.

The Sabha was composed of 30 members who were elected by the people of the village. The election process was conducted by a committee of five people who were also elected by the villagers. The members of the Sabha had to be over 35 years of age, married, and have a good reputation in the village.

The Sabha had several functions such as the maintenance of law and order, collection of taxes, and the resolution of disputes. The inscription provides details of the fines that were imposed for various offenses such as theft, adultery, and defamation. It also mentions the penalties for non-payment of taxes.

The Sabha had a judicial function as well. It had the power to hear and resolve disputes between villagers and to impose penalties on those found guilty. The Sabha also had the power to expel members who were found guilty of violating its rules.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the Uttarmerur inscription provides valuable insights into the functioning of village assemblies during the medieval period in South India. It shows that the Sabha was a democratically elected body that was responsible for the governance of the village. The Sabha had several functions such as the maintenance of law and order, collection of taxes, and the resolution of disputes. The inscription is an important historical document that sheds light on the administrative and social systems of that era.