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Indian HistoryHardAsked in: NDA · NDA-II 2025, GAT

Chola inscriptions mention several categories of lands. Which one of the following was meant for the maintenance of school?

  1. A.Tirunamattukkani
  2. B.Shalabhoga
  3. C.Vellanvagai
  4. D.Pallichhandam

Correct answer

B. Shalabhoga

Explanation

The correct answer is B, Shalabhoga. In Chola inscriptions, shalabhoga was land set aside for the upkeep of a school (shala).

Chola inscriptions record many kinds of land, mostly gifts made by kings and wealthy people. The common categories were vellanvagai, brahmadeya, shalabhoga, devadana or tirunamattukkani, and pallichchhandam. A grant of shalabhoga meant that the produce of that land paid for running a school, often attached to a temple. The word "shala" means a hall of learning and "bhoga" means enjoyment of the produce.

A is wrong because tirunamattukkani, also called devadana, was land gifted to temples.

C is wrong because vellanvagai was the land of non-Brahmana peasant proprietors.

D is wrong because pallichchhandam was land donated to Jaina institutions; "palli" here refers to a Jaina establishment.

Brahmadeya, another category, was land gifted to Brahmanas.

Exam tip: shalabhoga for schools, devadana or tirunamattukkani for temples, pallichchhandam for Jainas, brahmadeya for Brahmanas.

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