The Centre for Policy Studies (CPS), a renowned non-profit research organisation, recently uncovered remarkable insights into the self-governing systems of two villages, Ullavur and Kundrathur, in north Tamil Nadu. Their study, published on August 25, 2024, sheds light on the socio-political and economic framework of these villages, which thrived well before British colonial rule. The findings reveal the advanced and autonomous governance systems that existed centuries ago.
The CPS, under the leadership of its Director Jatindar K. Bajaj, aimed to explore how Bharat’s polity functioned before British intervention. According to Bajaj, “The classical civilizational literature of India provides answers to understanding the self-sufficient and well-organized governance of ancient India.” The study primarily focused on documenting the functioning of pre-colonial villages in Tamil Nadu.
Sources of Information for the Study
1. Civilizational Literature
The research delved into India’s rich civilizational texts, including the Vedas, Upanishads, Itihasas, and Puranas. CPS’s earlier works, such as Annam Bahu Kurvita: Recollecting the Indian Discipline of Growing and Sharing Food in Plenty, served as foundational resources for this investigation.
2. Archival Records
The study utilized archival records from the British survey conducted between 1767 and 1774 in the Chengalpattu Jagir. British officer Thomas Barnard’s detailed records, stored at the Tamil Nadu State Archives, provided critical insights.
3. Traditional Tamil Sources
Palm-leaf manuscripts maintained by traditional village accountants, known as Kanakkupillais, were analyzed and translated into modern Tamil and English.
The Chengalpattu Jagir Survey
The Chengalpattu Jagir, a region around modern Chennai, was ceded to the British by the Nawab of Arcot. During the survey, detailed information was recorded about:
- Household heads, their caste, and occupations.
- Agricultural lands, water bodies, and cultivated crops.
- Distribution of resources to sustain institutions like temples and village functionaries.
The survey reflected an organised system of resource management that prioritized the welfare of the community.
Insights from Kundrathur and Ullavur
1. Historical Records and Inscriptions
The villages of Kundrathur and Ullavur have a rich historical lineage documented through inscriptions and ancient texts.
Kundrathur: Over 55 inscriptions dating from 1153 to 1726 highlight its role during the Chola and Mughal periods.
Ullavur: References to Ullavur were found in the Kasakkudi copperplate inscriptions from the Pallava period. These inscriptions described its temples, lakes, and irrigation systems.
2. Governance Structures
Both villages were self-governing units with clear boundaries and systems to manage resources efficiently. The governance model ensured financial, cultural, and political self-sufficiency, contrasting starkly with the British village system.
3. Allocation of Agricultural Produce
The villages displayed extraordinary productivity, with annual food grain output averaging one ton per capita—five times the modern national average.
A significant portion of this produce was allocated for:
- Maintaining water bodies
- Supporting scholars, musicians, and temple dancers.
- Funding local institutions and festivities.
Ullavur: A Testament to Ancient Grandeur
The area around Ullavur boasts an impressive legacy:
The Kasakkudi copperplate mentions Ullavur’s water channels connected to the vast Thenneri lake.
The Appan Venkatesa Perumal Temple, located at the confluence of the Palar, Cheyyar, and Vegavathi rivers, holds inscriptions covering almost every wall. These inscriptions reflect the village’s deep spiritual and cultural heritage.
The Role of CPS and Collaborative Efforts
CPS’s collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) has led to the publication of two books documenting the history of these villages. By studying archival summaries, palm-leaf manuscripts, and inscriptions, CPS has pieced together a narrative of self-reliance and communal prosperity.
Key Findings from the Study
1. Efficient Resource Management
The villages optimized their resources to ensure sustenance and growth for all sections of society.
2. Strong Cultural Identity
Temples, music, dance, and educational institutions flourished under this system, highlighting the cultural vibrancy of the period.
3. Autonomous Governance
Local administrative bodies handled all aspects of governance, from taxation to dispute resolution, showcasing an advanced understanding of community management.
A Contrast with British Governance
The British colonial administration disrupted these indigenous systems, replacing them with centralized structures that undermined local autonomy. The pre-British villages, with their decentralized approach, served as models of sustainable governance.
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