With reference to the history of India, the terms “kulyavapa” and “dro

With reference to the history of India, the terms “kulyavapa” and “dronavapa” denote

measurement of land
coins of different monetary value
classification of urban land
religious rituals
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2020
The correct answer is A) measurement of land.
The terms “kulyavapa” and “dronavapa” are technical terms found in ancient Indian inscriptions and texts, particularly those related to land grants and administration.
These terms represent units of land measurement, often defined by the amount of seed required to sow a particular area of land. A “kulyavapa” was a smaller unit than a “dronavapa”. These measurements were crucial for revenue assessment and land administration in different historical periods and regions of India.
Other ancient units of land measurement varied across regions and time periods, but units based on seed measure like kulyavapa, dronavapa, and also nivartana (based on area) were common. These terms provide valuable insight into the agricultural and administrative practices of ancient and early medieval India.