Who administered the agrahara lands during the post-Gupta period?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT-I Official Paper (Held On: 06 Jun, 2025 Shift 2)

Answer 1

The correct answer is Brahmins.

Key Points

During the post-Gupta period, agrahara lands were granted to Brahmins as a mark of respect and for religious purposes.
Brahmins, as recipients of these lands, held administrative and fiscal control over the agrahara lands.
These lands were exempted from taxation, and Brahmins were responsible for managing agricultural production and collecting revenue.
The grants were often documented on copper plates and were intended to support Brahmins in their religious and scholarly duties.
The agrahara system played a crucial role in strengthening Brahminical influence and promoting Vedic traditions in society.

Additional Information

Agrahara Lands:
- Agrahara refers to villages or lands granted to Brahmins by rulers for religious and educational purposes.
- These lands were typically tax-free and were intended to support Brahmins economically.
Post-Gupta Period:
- This period (circa 6th to 12th century CE) saw the rise of feudal practices and decentralization of authority.
- Land grants, including agrahara lands, became a common feature of administration.
Brahmins’ Role:
- Brahmins were not only religious leaders but also managed the administration of granted lands.
- They contributed to the spread of Sanskrit education and upheld Vedic traditions.
Feudal Lords and Village Assemblies:
- While feudal lords and village assemblies played roles in governance, they were not directly involved in the administration of agrahara lands.
- These entities managed other aspects of rural administration.