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Q80 (IAS/2016) History & Culture › Medieval India › South Indian empires Official Key

In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs : 1. Eripatti : Land, revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank 2. Taniyurs : Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins 3. Ghatikas : Colleges generally attached to the temples Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: D
Explanation

The correct answer is option D (1 and 3).

Eripatti, or tank land, was a special category of land known only in south India, where this land was donated by individuals and the revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village[1] tank. Therefore, pair 1 is correctly matched.

The brahmadeya villages were donated to a single Brahman or a group of Brahmans[2], not Taniyurs. The term "Taniyurs" is not mentioned in the provided sources as villages donated to Brahmins. Therefore, pair 2 is incorrectly matched.

Ghatikas were centres of learning that emerged during the reign of the Sātavāhanas.[3] While the sources don't explicitly state they were "generally attached to temples," temples functioned as centres of learning[4], supporting the association between educational institutions and temples in ancient India. Therefore, pair 3 is correctly matched.

Thus, pairs 1 and 3 are correct, making option D the right answer.

Sources
  1. [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Tank Irrigation > p. 124
  2. [2] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Land Grants > p. 123
  3. [3] Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 7: The Gupta Era: An Age of Tireless Creativity > Meanwhile in the South and Northeast ... > p. 161
  4. [4] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART II, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara > 5.1 Choosing a capital > p. 184
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Q. In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs : 1. Eripatti : Land, revenue from which was set apart for the main…
At a glance
Origin: From standard books Fairness: High fairness Books / CA: 10/10 · 0/10

This is a classic 'Term-Definition' swap trap. The definition given for 'Taniyurs' actually belongs to 'Brahmadeya'. The source is verbatim Tamil Nadu Class XI History (Chola/Pallava chapters). Strategy: Memorize the 'Land Grant Types' table (Devadana, Shalabhoga, Brahmadeya) found in South Indian history chapters.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
In the history of India, did the term "Eripatti" refer to land whose revenue was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Tank Irrigation > p. 124
Presence: 5/5
“A special category of land, eripatti or tank land, was known only in south India. This land was donated by individuals, the revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank. Rainwater was stored in the tank so that land could be irrigated during the annual long, dry spell. The tank, lined with brick or stone, was built through the cooperative effort of the village, and its water was shared by all. Cultivators. The maintenance of these tanks was essential to the village. Practically every inscription from the Pallava period pertaining to the rural affairs refers to the upkeep of the tank.”
Why this source?
  • Directly identifies 'eripatti or tank land' as a special category known in South India.
  • Explicitly states the revenue from this land was set apart for maintenance of the village tank.
  • Describes its donation by individuals and connection to village tank upkeep, showing purpose and practice.
Statement 2
In the history of India, were "Taniyurs" villages donated to a single Brahmin or to a group of Brahmins?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Land Grants > p. 123
Presence: 5/5
“Land ownership was with the king, who could make revenue grants to his officers and land-grants to Brahmans, or else continue to have land cultivated by small-scale cultivators and landlords. The latter was the most common practice. Crown lands were leased out to tenants-at-will. The status of the village varied according to the tenures prevailing. The village with an inter-caste population paid land revenue. The brahmadeya villages were donated to a single Brahman or a group of Brahmans. Cultural Development in South India P = 123”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states that brahmadeya villages were donated to either a single Brahman or a group of Brahmans.
  • Places such donations in the broader context of royal land-grant practice, showing king as granter of such villages.
History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 11: Later Cholas and Pandyas > Sabhaiyaar > p. 159
Presence: 4/5
“If the ur was a settlement of land holders, largely consisting of peasants of vellanvagai, the brahmadeya was a Brahmin settlement. The Sabha looked after the affairs of the settlement, including those of the temples at the core of brahmadeya and its assets. It was also responsible for maintaining irrigation tanks attached to the temple lands. Like the ur, the Sabha also functioned as the agents of the state in carrying out administrative, fiscal and judicial functions.”
Why this source?
  • Defines brahmadeya as a Brahmin settlement, linking the concept of grant-villages to Brahmin beneficiaries.
  • Notes local administrative bodies (Sabha) managing the affairs and assets of such Brahmin settlements, reinforcing their character as dedicated Brahmin villages.
History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 11: Later Cholas and Pandyas > 11.1.4 Society and its Structure > p. 161
Presence: 4/5
“In the predominantly agrarian society prevailing during the Chola period, landholding was the prime determinant of social status and hierarchy. The Brahmin landholders called brahmadeya-kilavars at the top; brahmadeya settlements with tax exemption were created, displacing (kudi neekki) local peasants. Temples were gifted land known as devadana, which were exempted from tax, as in brahmadeyams. The temples became the hub of several activities during this period. The landholders of Vellanvagai villages were placed next in the social hierarchy. Ulukudi (tenants) could not own land but had to cultivate the lands of Brahmins and holders of Vellanvagai villages. While landholders retained melvaram (major share in harvest), the ulukudi got kizh varam (lower share).”
Why this source?
  • Describes brahmadeya settlements with tax exemptions created for Brahmins, indicating these settlements were specifically allotted to Brahmin beneficiaries.
  • Highlights the social and economic consequences of such Brahmin-targeted settlements.
Statement 3
In the history of India, did "Ghatikas" refer to colleges generally attached to temples?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 7: The Gupta Era: An Age of Tireless Creativity > Meanwhile in the South and Northeast ... > p. 161
Presence: 5/5
“The capital of the Pallavas, Kānchipuram (in present-day Tamil Nadu), often known as the 'city of a thousand temples', developed as one of the major centres of learning in the south. The establishment of ghaṭikās — centres of learning that emerged during the reign of the Sātavāhanas — fostered an environment for education and intellectual growth. In the northeastern region, the Kāmarūpa kingdom, ruled by the Varman dynasty, extended over the Brahmaputra valley (broadly, present-day Assam) and northern parts of present-day Bengal and Bangladesh. An ancient name for the Brahmaputra valley of Assam is Prāgjyotiṣha, mentioned in the Rāmāyaṇa and Mahābhārata; the latter text mentions Bhagadatta, king of”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly identifies 'ghaṭikās' as 'centres of learning'.
  • Places their establishment in a historical context (Sātavāhanas) and links them to major learning centres like Kānchipuram.
THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART II, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara > 5.1 Choosing a capital > p. 184
Presence: 4/5
“Temple building in the region had a long history, going back to dynasties such as the Pallavas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas and Cholas. Rulers very often encouraged temple building as a means of associating themselves with the divine – often, the deity was explicitly or implicitly identified with the king. Temples also functioned as centres of learning. Besides, rulers and others often granted land and other resources for the maintenance of temples. Consequently, temples developed as significant religious, social, cultural and economic centres. From the point of view of the rulers, constructing, repairing and maintaining temples were important means of winning support and recognition for their power , wealth and piety.”
Why this source?
  • States that temples 'functioned as centres of learning', showing a common institutional role for temples.
  • Notes temples developed as significant social and cultural centres, implying association of educational activity with temple complexes.
History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Bhakti and the Arts > p. 130
Presence: 3/5
“Originating with folk dancing, the choreography of temple dancing became highly sophisticated and complex renderings. 130 | Cultural Development in South India of religious themes as apparent in the final form. From the Pallava period onwards, trained groups of dancers were maintained by more prosperous temples. Classic scenes from puranas and itihasas were sculpted on the walls of the temples, in bronze and stone. Subsequently, artists were attached to the temples with state patronage in order to promote the fine arts like music, dance and others.”
Why this source?
  • Describes artists and trained groups being 'attached to the temples' under patronage, demonstrating temples as sites hosting organized educational/artistic activity.
  • Supports the idea that temples maintained institutions (or personnel) for instruction in arts, consistent with the notion of temple-linked colleges.
Pattern takeaway: Ancient/Medieval questions often hinge on specific terminology (Administrative units, Land grants, Taxes). If a term implies a specific administrative status (like Taniyur = Independent Village), but the definition describes a general grant type (Brahmadeya), it is likely a mismatch.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter for TN Board readers; Trap for those relying solely on North Indian-centric texts. Source: TN Class XI, Ch 9 & 11.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Chola and Pallava Local Administration & Revenue Terms (The 'Glossary' approach).
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the Chola Land Revenue terms: Vellanvagai (land of non-Brahmin proprietors), Shalabhoga (land for schools), Devadana (land for temples), Pallichchandam (land for Jain institutions).
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: UPSC creates wrong pairs by swapping definitions. Here, they took the definition of 'Brahmadeya' and pasted it next to 'Taniyur'. Always verify if the definition is exclusive to the term or a generic description of another term.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Eripatti (tank land) — definition & function
💡 The insight

Reference [1] gives a clear definition: eripatti is tank land whose revenue was earmarked for village tank maintenance.

High-yield for UPSC history questions on land tenures and rural institutions; helps link specific local practices to broader themes like land grants and village economy. Learn by memorizing key tenure-types (eripatti, brahmadeya) and their functions and examples from inscriptions.

📚 Reading List :
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Tank Irrigation > p. 124
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Land Grants > p. 123
🔗 Anchor: "In the history of India, did the term "Eripatti" refer to land whose revenue was..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Land revenue as source for village infrastructure
💡 The insight

The eripatti example shows land revenue being dedicated to a public good (tank maintenance), reflecting how revenue financed local infrastructure.

Useful for answering questions on agrarian economy and public goods provision — connects to topics on land revenue systems (pre-colonial and colonial). Prepare by mapping examples (eripatti) to general revenue concepts and settlement types.

📚 Reading List :
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Tank Irrigation > p. 124
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 10: Land Reforms in India > HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF LAND REFORMS > p. 336
🔗 Anchor: "In the history of India, did the term "Eripatti" refer to land whose revenue was..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Village cooperation in irrigation and tank maintenance
💡 The insight

Reference [1] mentions cooperative construction and shared use of tanks, linking tenure to community labor and management.

Important for essays/answers on rural social organization, collective resource management, and local governance; study inscriptions and case examples to illustrate continuity/change.

📚 Reading List :
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Tank Irrigation > p. 124
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Land Grants > p. 123
🔗 Anchor: "In the history of India, did the term "Eripatti" refer to land whose revenue was..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Brahmadeya (Brahmin settlements)
💡 The insight

The question concerns whether villages were allotted to Brahmins; several references define and describe brahmadeya settlements as Brahmin villages.

High-yield for medieval Indian history: understanding brahmadeyas clarifies land grant beneficiaries, social hierarchy, and temple-linked landholding patterns. Often appears in questions on land grants, agrarian institutions and temple economy. Master by studying definitions, inscriptional examples and administrative implications.

📚 Reading List :
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Land Grants > p. 123
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 11: Later Cholas and Pandyas > Sabhaiyaar > p. 159
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 11: Later Cholas and Pandyas > 11.1.4 Society and its Structure > p. 161
🔗 Anchor: "In the history of India, were "Taniyurs" villages donated to a single Brahmin or..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Types of land grants: agrahara, devadana, brahmadeya
💡 The insight

References mention multiple grant-types (agrahara, devadana, brahmadeya) and their beneficiaries/exemptions, which contextualise who received village grants.

Frequently tested in prelims and mains under medieval polity and economy: distinguishes beneficiaries, tax status and functions of grants. Connects to temple economy and social changes. Prepare by comparing grant-types, beneficiaries and fiscal effects using syllabus sources and inscriptional excerpts.

📚 Reading List :
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 7: The Guptas > Other Land Grants > p. 96
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Land Grants > p. 123
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 11: Later Cholas and Pandyas > 11.1.4 Society and its Structure > p. 161
🔗 Anchor: "In the history of India, were "Taniyurs" villages donated to a single Brahmin or..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Role of local institutions (Sabha/temple) in managing grant lands
💡 The insight

Evidence shows Sabhas administered brahmadeya affairs and temple lands attached to such grants.

Useful for questions on local governance and rural administration in medieval India; links land grants to institutional management and irrigation/tax roles. Study administrative functions of Sabhas and temple economies and their interaction with state authority.

📚 Reading List :
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 11: Later Cholas and Pandyas > Sabhaiyaar > p. 159
  • History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Land Grants > p. 123
🔗 Anchor: "In the history of India, were "Taniyurs" villages donated to a single Brahmin or..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Ghaṭikā = centre of learning
💡 The insight

Reference [5] explicitly defines ghaṭikās as centres of learning, directly bearing on whether they were colleges.

High-yield for history questions on educational institutions in ancient/medieval India; connects to topics on institutional education (gurukula, maṭha, university) and regional centres of learning. Master by comparing definitions across sources and noting chronological origins (e.g., Sātavāhanas).

📚 Reading List :
  • Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 7: The Gupta Era: An Age of Tireless Creativity > Meanwhile in the South and Northeast ... > p. 161
🔗 Anchor: "In the history of India, did "Ghatikas" refer to colleges generally attached to ..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

Next logical question from the same Chola inscriptions: 'Shalabhoga' (land for the maintenance of a school) and 'Pallichchandam' (land donated to Jain institutions). Also, the 'Uttaramerur Inscription' details regarding qualifications for Sabha membership (age 35-70, knowledge of Vedas).

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Etymology Hack: 'Taniyur' comes from Tamil 'Tani' (Alone/Separate) + 'Ur' (Village). It implies an independent administrative unit. The definition 'Villages donated to Brahmins' describes the *nature of the grant* (Brahmadeya), not the *administrative status*. Since the definition doesn't match the etymological hint of 'separate/independent', Pair 2 is suspicious. Eliminate options with 2.

🔗 Mains Connection

Connect Chola 'Taniyurs' and 'Sabhas' to GS-2 Polity: Evolution of Local Self-Government. The Chola system of autonomous village units is the historical precedent for Article 40 (Village Panchayats) and the 73rd Constitutional Amendment.

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