In the 15th century, the ............... tried to replace the Tamil peasant elite by granting lands to the temples.

The correct answer is - Palaiyakarars

Key Points

• Palaiyakarars
  • The Palaiyakarars, also known as Polygar or feudal lords, were a class of military chieftains in Tamil Nadu during the late medieval period.
  • In the 15th century, the Palaiyakarars attempted to weaken the influence of the Tamil peasant elite by granting lands to temples, which were religious and administrative centers.
  • This action was aimed at consolidating their own power and diminishing the control of the traditional peasant elite in local governance and economy.
  • The temple grants also served as a means to strengthen alliances with religious institutions, which held significant social and political influence during that era.

Additional Information

• Role of Temples in Medieval Tamil Nadu
  • Temples were not only religious institutions but also key centers of landholding, administration, and economy.
  • Land grants to temples, known as devadana or brahmadeya, were a common practice, ensuring the temples' role in local governance.
  • These grants often came with tax exemptions, which further enhanced the temples' power and influence.
• Decline of Tamil Peasant Elite
  • The Tamil peasant elite, who traditionally held significant sway over agricultural production and local politics, saw their influence wane due to such strategies by rulers like the Palaiyakarars.
  • This shift in power dynamics was a defining feature of the period, as it marked the increasing centralization of authority under feudal lords and rulers.
• Comparison with Other Rulers
  • The Pandya rulers and Vijayanagar rulers also made land grants to temples, but their policies were more focused on strengthening dynastic control rather than displacing the Tamil peasant elite specifically.
  • The Nayakas and Palaiyakarars, however, were more directly involved in local-level political and economic restructuring.