Which of the following statements is NOT true of land grants in the early centuries of the Common Era?
1. Land grants give us an idea of the regional variations in the sizes of land donated.
2. Land grants give us an idea of the rights given to donors.
3. Land grants give us an idea about rural populations - these include Brahmans and Peasants.
4. Land grants describe wild animals and hunter-gatherers.

4

The statement that is NOT true of land grants in the early centuries of the Common Era is: Land grants describe wild animals and hunter-gatherers.

From the early centuries of the Common Era, we find grants of land being made, many of which were recorded in inscriptions. Some of these inscriptions were on stone, but most were on copper plates which were probably given as a record of the transaction to those who received the land. The records that have survived are generally about grants to religious institutions or to Brahmanas. Most inscriptions were in Sanskrit. In some cases, and especially from the seventh century onwards, part of the inscription was in Sanskrit, while the rest was in a local language such as Tamil or Telugu. The inscription also gives us an idea about rural populations – these included Brahmanas and peasants, as well as others who were expected to provide a range of produce to the king or his representatives. And according to the inscription, they would have to obey the new lord of the village, and perhaps pay him all these dues. Land grants have been found in several parts of the country. There were regional variations in the sizes of land donated – ranging from small plots to vast stretches of uncultivated land – and the rights given to donees (the recipients of the grant). The impact of land grants is a subject of heated debate among historians. Some feel that land grants were part of a strategy adopted by ruling lineages to extend agriculture to new areas. Others suggest that land grants were indicative of weakening political power: as kings were losing control over their samantas, they tried to win allies by making grants of land. They also feel that kings tried to project themselves as supermen because they were losing control: they wanted to present at least a façade of power.