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Studies in Ancient Tamil Law and Society
Studies in Ancient Tamil Law and Society ‘Padma Bhushan’ Dr. R. Nagaswamy This anthology is a revised edition of the author's 1978 classic. This series of essays, containing his original research in various fields, throws light on the socio-cultural landscape of Tamil Nadu spanning several centuries. These compelling episodes will appeal to scholars and laymen alike. “When superstitious mediaevalists mislead the country about its judicial past, we have to search for truth in stone and honesty in metal, and not in man and his lips. Dr. R. Nagaswamy unearthing the law in practice has patriotic relevance.” — Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer “...this book, profiting from the linguistic, historical, and epigraphical skill of its author, broadens our horizon...and adds to that much food for reflexion on the part of those who...yearn for a genuine Indian jurisprudence.” — Prof. J. Duncan M. Derrett
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Published January 1, 2020
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About the author
R. Nagaswamy
37 books44 followersDr. R. Nagaswamy is an Indian historian, archaeologist and epigraphist who is known for his work on temple inscriptions and art history of Tamil Nadu. He served as the founder-Director of the Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department. He was also instrumental in starting the annual Chidambaram Natyanjali festival in 1980.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 24, 2022
“Studies in Ancient Tamil Law and Society” is a research work of Dr R. Nagaswamy. He was awarded “Padma Bhushan” and he won many titles for his contribution to the field of Archaeology, Temples, cultures, etc. He is ninety plus years old and is still active and enthusiastic about his field of epigraphy. This book is a revised edition of his collection of essays published in the year 1978. By his other books it is quite evident that he specialized, focussed and limited to the Tamil geographical boundaries and Tamil Culture.
Most of us are too small to comment on his writings. It is a book with indisputable facts of that period written by a man with authority on the subject. One can read this book to appreciate some historical events through archaeological findings. The events are described to elicit the prevalence of legal, social, and cultural systems at that time.
The book explored various aspects of Chola, Pandya, and other dynasties with stories and documents. A lot of material evidence in the form of stone inscriptions, copper-plate declarations, and other evidence material, collected by other eminent people helped to write some authentic episodes. The period covered, was roughly between 300 AD and 1200 AD. He used the Tamil script as evidence in many places. That makes this book, limited to Tamil-speaking people.
All through the book, the richness of ancient Hindu culture is emphasized by citing the instances and documents for good governance. Many socio economic issues like religious tolerance, Scheduled Caste status, revenue systems, resource distributions, Pay structures, etc., of Tamil Nadu, are explored and quoted with authenticated documents.
Many instances were given by which he could explain the legal system at that time. Here, one judgment is being quoted in brief to distinguish the legal system now. In a family dispute two brothers get into a fight, the younger one hits the elder and the elder one would dies. After an elaborate questioning and deliberation, the court verdict was that the younger brother would “not die”. The reason cited was that he was the only breadwinner for the whole family. The judgment was rational and reasonable in contrast to the rule of modern law.
Another aspect, which he interestingly covered, is various document templates that were used in the legal system like sale deeds, Gift deeds, etc.
This anthology is interesting to read for students and history enthusiasts. This book is just a leaf in the book of the knowledge of Sri R Nagaswamy. I am hereby paying my respects for his never ending passion for Hindu culture.
Most of us are too small to comment on his writings. It is a book with indisputable facts of that period written by a man with authority on the subject. One can read this book to appreciate some historical events through archaeological findings. The events are described to elicit the prevalence of legal, social, and cultural systems at that time.
The book explored various aspects of Chola, Pandya, and other dynasties with stories and documents. A lot of material evidence in the form of stone inscriptions, copper-plate declarations, and other evidence material, collected by other eminent people helped to write some authentic episodes. The period covered, was roughly between 300 AD and 1200 AD. He used the Tamil script as evidence in many places. That makes this book, limited to Tamil-speaking people.
All through the book, the richness of ancient Hindu culture is emphasized by citing the instances and documents for good governance. Many socio economic issues like religious tolerance, Scheduled Caste status, revenue systems, resource distributions, Pay structures, etc., of Tamil Nadu, are explored and quoted with authenticated documents.
Many instances were given by which he could explain the legal system at that time. Here, one judgment is being quoted in brief to distinguish the legal system now. In a family dispute two brothers get into a fight, the younger one hits the elder and the elder one would dies. After an elaborate questioning and deliberation, the court verdict was that the younger brother would “not die”. The reason cited was that he was the only breadwinner for the whole family. The judgment was rational and reasonable in contrast to the rule of modern law.
Another aspect, which he interestingly covered, is various document templates that were used in the legal system like sale deeds, Gift deeds, etc.
This anthology is interesting to read for students and history enthusiasts. This book is just a leaf in the book of the knowledge of Sri R Nagaswamy. I am hereby paying my respects for his never ending passion for Hindu culture.
July 25, 2022
This book is a labor of love and a scholarly work by Padmabhushan Dr.R.Nagasamy. I received it as part of Indica's 1000 Reviewers Club.
In his research about uncovering ancient Tamil society and the laws prevailing at those times, the author has researched inscriptions, and palm leaves, not just from a historical standpoint, but with the keen eyes of a sociologist. Irrespective of Cholas or Pandyas or Pallavas, the author has illustrated how the ancient Tamil society's rules and laws are derivatives of Dharma Sastras.
Case in point: The Dalavaypuram plates, which has 2 parts - the former written in Sanskrit, and the latter in Tamil, mentions a legal land dispute, where the dana patra (record of gift) was lost. When the land was occupied illegally, the case is bought to the appeal of the Pandya king who literally quotes from Yajnavalkya smriti to resolve the dispute.
Another essay provides pointers towards a revision of Pandya Genealogy periods, Saiva Saints and Alwars dates based on latest epigraphical findings from Madurai.
The essay about the pay structure and taxation under Raja Raja chola is both mouth-watering and eye-opening. The taxation was 16.66%, and the treasurer of the temple received Rs.1600 per month (in 1978 value). Considering the current heated environment of Tamil vs Sanskrit in temples, it is intersting to discover how Chola kings treated it then. Singers of vedic hymns and tamil hymns received an equivalent pay of Rs.1200, which illustrates that Rajaraja considered both Sanskrit and Tamil as equal. The pay structure was not only attractive, but also on rational footing.
There are more well-researched essays in this modest collection, which runs for 200 pages. Some books are to be read once, some are to be re-read, and some are to be treasured forever. This book falls in the third kind.
In his research about uncovering ancient Tamil society and the laws prevailing at those times, the author has researched inscriptions, and palm leaves, not just from a historical standpoint, but with the keen eyes of a sociologist. Irrespective of Cholas or Pandyas or Pallavas, the author has illustrated how the ancient Tamil society's rules and laws are derivatives of Dharma Sastras.
Case in point: The Dalavaypuram plates, which has 2 parts - the former written in Sanskrit, and the latter in Tamil, mentions a legal land dispute, where the dana patra (record of gift) was lost. When the land was occupied illegally, the case is bought to the appeal of the Pandya king who literally quotes from Yajnavalkya smriti to resolve the dispute.
Another essay provides pointers towards a revision of Pandya Genealogy periods, Saiva Saints and Alwars dates based on latest epigraphical findings from Madurai.
The essay about the pay structure and taxation under Raja Raja chola is both mouth-watering and eye-opening. The taxation was 16.66%, and the treasurer of the temple received Rs.1600 per month (in 1978 value). Considering the current heated environment of Tamil vs Sanskrit in temples, it is intersting to discover how Chola kings treated it then. Singers of vedic hymns and tamil hymns received an equivalent pay of Rs.1200, which illustrates that Rajaraja considered both Sanskrit and Tamil as equal. The pay structure was not only attractive, but also on rational footing.
There are more well-researched essays in this modest collection, which runs for 200 pages. Some books are to be read once, some are to be re-read, and some are to be treasured forever. This book falls in the third kind.
May 15, 2023
Remarkable collection of essays. This book's strength lies in its ability to tell stories in easy tone while not losing its essence with exhaustive research and good writing. Nagaswamy is a fantastic writer without a doubt. It’s a fascinating account into the little-known history of the Tamil kingdoms.
The research and writing blew my mind, as I’ve come to expect from R. Nagaswamy’s work. Richly researched with referencing, this is a decent work of scholarship on an aspect of a period of ancient history. I came across many personalities whose names were unknown to me, but it was astonishing to get information about them. Book tell us what Tamil society was back then and what kind of laws were there and how justice was given. They had so much clarity. It shows is the stories of commoners. Thank you, writer, to bringing these facts in light.
R. Nagaswamy attempts to reveal the veracity behind some of the unknown tales from Indian Tamil history, which are otherwise unfortunately twisted and corrupted to represent what the ecosystem did to our history books.
I especially love when the writer added original Tamil script and black and white photos to give us better understanding. This book was published by Prekshaa. I love their books. Their books are trustable. Hope they published more such books. Do check out their website to read articles.
The research and writing blew my mind, as I’ve come to expect from R. Nagaswamy’s work. Richly researched with referencing, this is a decent work of scholarship on an aspect of a period of ancient history. I came across many personalities whose names were unknown to me, but it was astonishing to get information about them. Book tell us what Tamil society was back then and what kind of laws were there and how justice was given. They had so much clarity. It shows is the stories of commoners. Thank you, writer, to bringing these facts in light.
R. Nagaswamy attempts to reveal the veracity behind some of the unknown tales from Indian Tamil history, which are otherwise unfortunately twisted and corrupted to represent what the ecosystem did to our history books.
I especially love when the writer added original Tamil script and black and white photos to give us better understanding. This book was published by Prekshaa. I love their books. Their books are trustable. Hope they published more such books. Do check out their website to read articles.
August 25, 2022
The book “Studies in Ancient Tamil Law and Society” is a research work of Dr. R. Nagaswamy, a “Padma Bhushan” awardee. Having won accolades for his work in the field of Archaeology, Temples, cultures, etc Dr. Nagaswamy very beautifully portrays the socio-cultural landscape of Tamil Nadu. New light on civil justice in the Pandya period, The thirteenth-century sale deed on rights of women, and an ancient document on Treaty are some of the interesting topics.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews