Q. With reference to the history of India, the terms “kulyavapa” and “dronavapa” denote
- measurement of land
- coins of different monetary value
- classification of urban land
- religious rituals
Answer: (a) measurement of land
Notes:
- In the Gupta era, the terms Kulyavapa, Dronavapa, and Adhavapa were related to land measurements mainly mentioned in the copper plate inscriptions that were found in Bengal.
- These words indicate the area of land that was required to sow seed grains of the weight respectively of one kula, Drona and Dhaka.
Agricultural Significance:
- In ancient India, agriculture was the primary source of revenue for the state.
- The classification and measurement of land were crucial for effective taxation and resource management.
- Types of Land:
- Various types of land are mentioned in historical inscriptions:
- Kshetra: Cultivated land
- Khila: Uncultivable land
- Aprahata: Jungle or forest land
- Gopata Sarah: Pasture land
- Vasti: Habitable land
- Land Measurement Terms:
- Different regions used specific terms for land measurement, such as:
- Kulyavapa:
- The area required to sow one kulya of grain (approximately 12-16 acres)
- Dronavapa:
- The area required to sow one Drona of grain (approximately 1½-2 acres)
- The term ‘vap’ translates to ‘to sow‘, reflecting its agricultural roots.
- Kulyavapa:
- Measurement standards varied, with smaller measurements defined as:
- Angula: Approx. ¾ inch
- Hasta (cubit): Approximately 18 inches (the distance from the tip of the elbow to the middle finger)
- Different regions used specific terms for land measurement, such as:
- The terms Adhavapa, Dronavapa, and Kulyavapa reflect a complex and region-specific system of land measurement, indicating that there was no single standard across ancient India.