Q. What do temple inscriptions reveal about the role of kings, local elites, communities and religious institutions in maintaining temples? Discuss. (150 words, 10 marks)
Directions: Intro----What do inscriptions reveal?--------Conclusion.
Introduction:
Brief about temple inscriptions - important historical sources because they record land grants, donations, repairs, endowments, taxes, rituals and administrative arrangements.
Main Body
What do temple inscriptions reveal?
|
Stakeholder |
Role in temple maintenance |
Evidence/Examples |
|
Kings & rulers |
Granted land, villages, tax exemptions, gold and money; Built and renovated temples & endowed resources for rituals |
Rajaraja I's inscriptions at the Brihadisvara Temple provide detailed information about donations, personnel and temple administration. |
|
Local elites |
Donated land, livestock, gold and other resources; Supported construction, festivals, rituals, etc. |
Chiefs, merchants and landholding groups frequently appear as donors |
|
Local communities |
Participated in collective donations, supplied services, maintained irrigation and supported temple festivals |
Ur, Sabha and Nagaram institutions in South India managed resources and temple-related affairs |
|
Religious institutions |
Managed endowments, organised rituals, employed priests and other personnel, and maintained temple properties. |
Temple authorities administered donated lands and used their income for daily worship and festivals |
Conclusion:
Give a balanced conclusion.
Temple inscriptions reveal that the preservation of temples was a shared responsibility rather than a purely royal enterprise.
