Land Ownership Practices in India: Insights from Inscriptions and Literary Sources (4th -13th Century CE) – A Historical Analysis.
Author - Biswarup Chatterjee. Abstract This abstract examines the historical context of land ownership, differentiating various types of land (arable, barren, marshy, and forest) and discussing the evolution of ownership from the state to individuals. Evidence suggests that early ownership of non-arable lands rested with the state, while opinions diverge regarding arable lands, with some scholars asserting private ownership. The role of the state involved control through taxation, where failure could lead to confiscation. Furthermore, classifications of land into cultivable, uncultivable, and other types are explored, highlighting the complexities of land tenure and ownership in historical frameworks. Keywords: - Inscription, Land ownership, Smrtis, Ownership of Land in Ancient and Early Medieval India An analysis of land ownership in ancient and early medieval India reveals...