Question 9 from UPSC CSE 2016 - Ancient
History

Question

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 are correctly matched?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. 1 and 3

Strategy: Evaluate each pair based on historical definitions. 'Eripatti' is a known term for land whose revenue supported village tanks, a common practice in South India. 'Ghatikas' were established educational institutions, often linked to temples, especially during the Pallava period. 'Taniyurs' were distinct, large administrative units or revenue-paying villages in the Chola system, not villages granted to Brahmins (which were called *brahmadeya* or *agrahara*). Recognizing this distinction for Taniyurs immediately eliminates pair 2 as incorrectly matched, leaving 1 and 3 as the correct options.

Key Info: -   **Eripatti (or Eri-patti)**:
    -   A special category of land in ancient and medieval South India, particularly during the Chola period.
    -   The revenue generated from these lands was specifically earmarked for the maintenance of village tanks (eri in Tamil means tank or lake).
    -   This system highlighted the importance of irrigation and water management in the agrarian economy of the region.

-   **Taniyurs (or Tani-ur)**:
    -   In the Chola administration, a *taniyur* referred to a large, autonomous village or a distinct revenue unit that functioned independently.
    -   It had its own assembly (usually the *ur* or *sabhā*) and administrative structure, separate from the surrounding *nadu* (a cluster of villages).
    -   These were self-governing units, often significant administrative centers, and were not primarily defined by donations to Brahmins.
    -   Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins were known as *brahmadeya* or *agrahara* villages, which enjoyed tax exemptions and self-administration under the Brahmins.

-   **Ghatikas (or Ghatikasthanas)**:
    -   These were prominent educational institutions or colleges in ancient India, especially during the Pallava period in South India.
    -   They were generally attached to temples or monasteries and focused on Vedic studies, philosophy, grammar, and other branches of learning.
    -   Kanchi (Kanchipuram) was a notable center for *ghatikas* and other centers of learning.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 and 2

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 2 and 3