In Brahmadeya villages under the Pallavas, which caste predominantly managed the local Sabha assemblies?

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.