LAND GRANTS AND ITS IMPACT ON AGRARIAN ECONOMY OF NORTHERN INDIA DURING EARLY MEDIEVAL PERIOD (c.A.D. 700-1200)

India has primarily been an agriculture society ever since civilization activities are found in recorded history. Mahatma Gandhi said more than six decades ago that India lives in villages which still hold true as two thirds of the total population of the nation is still dependent on agriculture. Economist from very early times have recognised land as an important factor of production. The present paper aims to study the impact of land grants on agrarian economy of northern India during early medieval period. The present study is based mainly on primary source of information which is mostly in form of epigraphic evidences. Along with it secondary source of information is also used to supplement the study. It is clear from the study that land grants have played a very vital role in the socio economic history of northern India during the concerned period. They have been assigned a key role in historical transformation of ancient to the medieval period.