Gramapaddhati, a Medieval text from south-western India

Abstract

Gramapaddhati, a text of south-western India belonging to the medieval period, reveals the traditional history of the Brahmanas of coastal Karnataka. The text can be considered as a caste Purana, as it presents a history of people belonging to particular communities. While the text legitimizes the social position of a few groups, it denigrates that of others. The text is useful in understanding the relationship between Brahmanical and non-Brahmanical groups of the region. In addition, the text gives information regarding internal migration of the Brahmanas. The emergence of an agrarian society in the area is indicated here too.