The Vijayanagara Empire, one of the most significant and prosperous South Indian empires, existed from the 14th to the 17th centuries. Its nature of land tenure played a crucial role in shaping its economy, society, and governance. The empire’s land tenure system was characterized by a blend of central control and local autonomy, reflecting the diverse social and economic landscape of the region.
Feudal Structure
The Vijayanagara Empire’s land tenure system exhibited elements of feudalism, with the king at the apex of the hierarchy. The king, or the monarch, held ultimate ownership of the land, symbolizing his authority and control over the territory. However, the king’s power was decentralized, and he delegated land administration to local chieftains, nobles, and administrators.
Hierarchy of Land Grants
Land grants, known as “danas” or “jagirs,” played a significant role in the Vijayanagara land tenure system. The king bestowed these grants as a reward for military service, administrative duties, or religious endowments. The recipients of these grants, known as “dāsas” or “samanta,” were responsible for managing and cultivating the land while paying tribute or taxes to the king.
Administrative Units
The empire was divided into administrative units called “mandalas” or “nāḍus,” each governed by a local chieftain or noble appointed by the king. These officials, known as “nāyakas” or “pālegārs,” exercised considerable autonomy in their respective territories. They were responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining law and order, and overseeing land cultivation within their jurisdiction.
Agricultural Communities
The Vijayanagara Empire relied heavily on agriculture, and the majority of the population lived in rural areas engaged in farming. Agricultural communities, known as “grāma” or “agaram,” were the backbone of the empire’s economy. These communities cultivated the land collectively, with individual families holding usufructuary rights over specific plots.
Temple Land Holdings
Temples played a central role in Vijayanagara society and economy, and they owned vast tracts of land. These temple lands, known as “devadāna” or “brahmadeya,” were exempt from taxation and often managed by temple authorities or Brahmin priests. Revenue generated from these lands contributed to the maintenance of temples and supported religious activities.
Land Revenue System
The Vijayanagara Empire implemented a land revenue system based on a sharecropping arrangement. Farmers, known as “ryots,” cultivated the land and paid a portion of their produce as revenue to the local administrators or landlords. The revenue collected from land taxation formed a significant source of income for the empire’s coffers.
Social and Economic Structure
The nature of land tenures in the Vijayanagara Empire contributed to the social and economic structure of the society. The feudal hierarchy provided stability and security, albeit with varying degrees of autonomy for local rulers. Agricultural communities formed the backbone of the economy, while temple lands played a crucial role in religious and cultural life.
In conclusion, the nature of land tenures in the Vijayanagara Empire reflected a complex blend of central authority and local autonomy. The feudal structure, hierarchy of land grants, agricultural communities, temple land holdings, and land revenue system were integral components of the empire’s land tenure system. This system played a vital role in shaping the socio-economic landscape of the empire and contributed to its prosperity and stability during its heyday.
