Agrarian Relations and Feudal Land Distribution in Medieval Bhagalpur
By Y. P. ROY
Summary
The article examines agrarian relations and feudalism in medieval Bhagalpur (Anga), focusing on land distribution, zamindari systems, and historical debates. It critiques the self-sufficient village model prevalent in Indian economic history, citing scholars like D.D. Kosambi, R.S. Sharma, and others. The study highlights the role of non-Brahmin landowners, tribal oligarchs, and feudal lords like Devarakshita and Sahura, emphasizing the shift from Palas' decline to feudal fragmentation. It details the evolution of zamindari rights, including terms like *choudhary*, *qanungo*, and *ghatwali*, and their exploitation mechanisms. The analysis also explores peasant revolts against zamindars, Mughal revenue policies, and colonial-era intermediaries. The text underscores Bhagalpur's historical significance as a fertile, commercially vibrant region and critiques the oversimplified view of medieval agrarian structures, advocating for empirical research on feudal dynamics and land tenure systems.
Conclusion
This study examines the evolution of agrarian relations and zamindari systems in medieval Bhagalpur, highlighting the shift from self-sufficient village economies to feudal exploitation. It traces the emergence of feudal lords, their land rights, and the subjugation of secondary zamindars and peasants, particularly through Mughal and colonial-era land tenure systems. The analysis underscores how the consolidation of zamindari power led to agrarian unrest, including peasant revolts and resistance against exploitative revenue practices. The persistence of terms like *malik*, *zamindar*, and *raiyyat* reflects the enduring legacy of these historical land relations, shaping socio-economic structures in Bhagalpur and beyond. The study calls for further empirical research to refine historical classifications and deepen understanding of agrarian dynamics in medieval India.