Correct option is C
Correct answer: (c) Brahmanas
Explanation:
- Brahmadeya villages were land grants given to Brahmanas (priests and scholars), often tax-free, by rulers such as the Pallavas.
- These Brahmanas formed local self-governing bodies known as Sabhas, which were responsible for:
- Village administration
- Management of irrigation, temples, and public works
- Collection and management of revenues
- The Sabhas were autonomous and highly organized, and only Brahmanas could become members, meeting specific criteria like land ownership and learning in Vedic texts.
Information Booster:
- The earliest detailed inscriptions about these Sabhas are found in the Uttaramerur inscriptions (9th century CE, Chola period, building on Pallava practices).
- These records show a highly democratic and rotational system of governance, with elections via ‘Kudavolai’ system (drawing of lots).
Additional Knowledge:
- (a) Vaishyas – Primarily engaged in trade and commerce; not involved in Sabha governance.
- (b) Shudras – Served other castes, had no role in administrative bodies like Sabhas.
- (d) Kshatriyas – The warrior class; they were rulers but not part of village-level Sabha governance.