The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v2.c15.s3.t6.3

v2.c15.s3.t6.3

After recruiting families willing to move, the selection of the village site was the next important step: a suitable place provided with a good supply of water was chosen; the presiding deity was then installed in a temple, and a festival called *urumu* was held in his or her honour. Then the houses for the new settlers were erected; the *āyakaṭ* (the extent and the details of the fields, &c.) of the village was determined, and the *āyagārs*, that is, the twelve village officers, were appointed. After this the land was parcelled out among the settlers according to the *visabadi*, and the cultivable fields were plotted. With the construction of a tank to store water for irrigating the fields, the formation of the village was finally completed.