WBCS.LIVE practice question

What were villages granted to Brahmins and inhabited by Brahmins known as?

Solve this multiple-choice question and check the correct answer with its explanation below.

Answer options

  1. Devadana
  2. Brahmadeya
  3. Agrahara
  4. Mangalam

Correct answer and explanation

Correct answer: Brahmadeya

Explanation: The correct answer is B. Brahmadeya. The term 'Brahmadeya' refers to land grants given to Brahmins, especially during the early medieval period (roughly from the 6th century CE onwards). These lands were tax-free and often included entire villages with agricultural fields, water resources, and sometimes even the local population. Brahmadeya lands became prominent under Pallavas, Cholas, Guptas, and other dynasties that patronized Brahmanical religion.