Land System in Tamilnadu, C. A.D. 800-1200

Land system in the Tamil country is always a fascinating subject because of the vast data that are available in inscriptions. In this analytical work the author discusses the control exercised by the kings, feudatory chiefs and officials in the land administration. He also discusses the part played by the various local assemblies such as ur, nagaram and sabha. His study on the various aspects of the land system such as land yield, land use, taxes, exemptions and collection of taxes and...
More Description

Land system in the Tamil country is always a fascinating subject because of the vast data that are available in inscriptions. In this analytical work the author discusses the control exercised by the kings, feudatory chiefs and officials in the land administration. He also discusses the part played by the various local assemblies such as ur, nagaram and sabha. His study on the various aspects of the land system such as land yield, land use, taxes, exemptions and collection of taxes and the interpretations he offered to the various details embedded in the inscriptions are not only convincing but also interesting. The author also brings out the differences among the various regions in the matter of land system-revenues, yields and he dwells at length the reasons for such variations. He also throws light on the role of the temples which came to possess large parcels of land and the conditions under which they administered these lands. The chapters on the land-prices, measuring rods, irrigation facilities give a comprehensive picture of the land-system that was prevalent in Tondaimandalam right from the age of the Pallavas.