Hindu Administrative Institutions c12.s4.25

c12.s4.25

It exercised supreme rights over the village lands: it was the arbitrator in disputes arising from purchase and sale of lands: it confiscated and sold lands of defaulters: it was responsible for the state-levy on the village: it raised public subscription in the cause of general interest.² It obtained loans to meet exigencies such as famine: it had a treasury of its own: it held supervising control over the various committees of the village and also temple accounts: it had the right to punish the internal enemies of the village (*grāma drohin*).³ In a word it did everything to improve the moral and the material welfare of the village.