Question

Samantas were given large lands by the rulers, but why?

• A. So that the samantas could provide health assistance to the kingdom.
• B. So that the samantas could earn some money in the form of land revenue.
• C. So that the samantas could maintain an army for the king using the land revenue.
• D. So that the powerful samantas do not ask taxes from the king.

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C)

The correct options are
B So that the samantas could earn some money in the form of land revenue.
C So that the samantas could maintain an army for the king using the land revenue.

The samantas were military leaders who provided the king with troops whenever he needed them. They were not paid regular salaries. Instead, some of them received grants of land. They collected revenue from the land and used this to maintain soldiers and horses, and provide equipment for warfare.