Parupaka

Parupaka is a term, likely derived from Sanskrit or a related Prakrit language, that historically refers to a type of land grant or endowment in ancient India. These grants were typically made by rulers or wealthy individuals to religious institutions, particularly temples or monasteries, or to learned Brahmins. The purpose of Parupaka was to provide a sustained source of revenue for the maintenance of the institution, the performance of religious rituals, or the support of the donee.

The specific nature of a Parupaka grant could vary depending on the region, the period, and the wishes of the grantor. It often involved the transfer of rights to land and its associated resources, such as agricultural produce, mineral wealth, or the right to collect taxes from the inhabitants of the land. The grant could be perpetual or for a defined period.

Epigraphic records, such as copper plates and stone inscriptions, are primary sources of information about Parupaka grants. These records often detail the genealogy of the grantor, the merits of the grant, the boundaries of the land being granted, and any conditions attached to the grant. The study of Parupaka grants provides valuable insights into the socio-economic and religious history of ancient India, including land ownership patterns, power dynamics, and the patronage of religious institutions. The term is not widely used in modern parlance.