Feudal Land System and Social Hierarchy in Early Medieval Eastern India: An Epigraphic Perspective

Name of The Authors - Biswarup Chatterjee 

                                      & Satabdi Barman.

Introduction: Rethinking Feudalism in Early India

Feudalism, a term originally used to describe medieval European society, has also been applied to early medieval India. However, historians now approach this concept cautiously, recognizing regional variations and complexities.

The Fort of Chilarai (Coochbehar, West Bengal, India) An Archaeological Reconnaissance.

Author - Biswarup Chatterjee  

                   THE CHILARAI KOT SITE FALLS WITHIN THE ANDARAN-PHULBARI G.P.  in the Tufanganj subdivision of the Cooch Behar district. Cooch Behar district belongs to Jalpaiguri presidency in the state of West Bengal. The district is broadly surrounded by the districts of Jalpaiguri to the north and west and Alipurduar to the north. Bangladesh and Assam surround the region to the south and east. The Tista, the Jaldhaka, the Torsa, the Kaljani, the Raydak and Gadadhar are the main water channels of this district (Majumdar 1977).

Administrative System and Land Transactions in Ancient Bengal (5th–6th Century CE): A Critical Epigraphic Analysis of Gupta Copper Plates

Biswarup Chatterjee

Introduction: Why Gupta Land Grants Matter for Bengal History

The reconstruction of early Bengal’s history, particularly during the 5th–6th century CE, depends heavily on epigraphic evidence. Among these, the Gupta copper plate inscriptions stand out as the most reliable and detailed sources. Unlike literary texts, which often carry ideological or religious bias, these inscriptions were legal documents, recording real transactions, administrative decisions, and socio-economic structures.

This article critically examines the administrative system and land transaction procedures of ancient Bengal through these inscriptions, highlighting their broader historical significance.