Question

With reference to the Kadamba Dynasty, what do the terms - 'agraharas', 'brahmapur' and 'ghatikas' refer to?
A) Religious centres
B) Educational centres
C) Devotional centres
D) Relaxation retreats

Answer 1

Hint: The Kadambas were an ancient Karnataka royal family who controlled northern Karnataka and the Konkan from Banavasi, which is now part of the Uttara Kannada district. Mayurasharma formed the kingdom around around 345, and it had the potential to grow to imperial dimensions later on. The titles and epithets assumed by its monarchs give a clue of their imperial ambitions.

Complete answer:
In Karnataka, the Kadambas lay the groundwork for architecture. In Banavasi, they constructed several temples and basadis. During this time, educational institutions such as agraharas, brahmapuris, and ghatikas were founded. Talagunda and Balligave were the main agraharas of the period. The agraharas were similar to boarding schools.

During the mediaeval period, agraharas became the most important educational institutions in southern India. They were brahmin settlements that created a corporate entity that oversaw the agrahara's activities, including education. Talagunda or Sthanakundur appears to be the first agrahara in mediaeval Karnataka (in present day Shimoga district).

According to an inscription, the founder of the Kadamba dynasty, Mayurasharman (or Varman), imported thirty-two erudite brahmins from Ahichchatra and placed them in Sthana Kundur, converting it into an agrahara (350 CE.).

This demonstrates that kings encouraged learning by inviting outside academics, a practise that persisted into later ages. Mayurasharman is claimed to have granted 144 villages to the agrahara's assistance.

Therefore the correct option is option ‘B’.

Note: Karnataka's queens were also instrumental in the establishment of the agraharas. In the audience hall, Queen Kamaladevi, wife of Kadamba king Shiv Chitta (see Kadambas), expressed her intention to establish an agrahara in Degrave (in today's Belgaum District).