The Colas c27.9

c27.9

ment of a lump sum roughly equal to their value capitalised at current rates of interest. Though the formula of exemption was similar in either case, there was an important difference. When taxes were remitted no payment was due from anybody; when they were only commuted, the usual rule was for the assembly of the village, in which the property or the institution concerned was situated, to receive the lump payment made, to hold itself responsible to the authorities concerned, including itself, for the payment of future dues, and to issue a document to that effect to the parties concerned.¹⁷ Such a deed and the lump sum paid were alike known as *Iṟai-kāval* (lit. tax-guard).