Meaning of the term Gramas used during Vijaynagar Empire
During the Vijayanagara Empire, which existed from the 14th to 17th centuries in South India, the term “Gramas” was used to refer to villages or rural settlements that were a fundamental unit of administration and society.
The term “Grama” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Grama” which means village. Each Grama was typically governed by a local headman or village chief known as a “Gramani” who was responsible for maintaining law and order, resolving disputes, and overseeing the welfare of the people in the village.
The Gramani was appointed by the higher-ranking officials in the empire, such as the Nayakas who governed the smaller administrative units known as Nadus. The Gramani was responsible for implementing the policies and directives of these higher-ranking officials, and for reporting back to them on the conditions and needs of the people in their village.
The use of Gramas as a basic unit of administration allowed the Vijayanagara Empire to effectively govern the rural areas of the region, and to respond to the specific needs and concerns of the people in each village. It also allowed for a degree of local autonomy and flexibility, as the Gramani was able to make decisions and take actions based on the unique conditions and circumstances of their own village.
Today, the legacy of the Vijayanagara Empire’s administrative system continues to be an important part of the cultural and historical heritage of South India, and it serves as an example of how effective governance can be achieved through the use of decentralized administrative structures.