Salient Features of R.S.

Sharma's Concept of Indian Feudalism: A Comprehensive Analysis

R.S. Sharma, a prominent Indian historian, significantly shaped our understanding of early
medieval Indian society with his concept of "Indian feudalism." This concept, though debated
and nuanced, remains crucial for comprehending the socio-political and economic dynamics of
this period. Here, we will explore the key features of Sharma's framework, acknowledging its
strengths and limitations.

1. Gradual Transformation: "Feudalization" over "Feudalism"

● Sharma emphasized the gradual process of feudalization, suggesting that India never
developed a fully-fledged feudal system like Europe. He preferred the term
"feudalization" to highlight the ongoing process of land grants to intermediaries,
increasing their power and weakening central authority. This approach countered the
earlier binary of "feudalism" or "not feudalism," acknowledging the unique characteristics
of the Indian context.

2. Decentralized Power and Land Grants:

A central feature of Sharma's concept is the decentralization of political power. He argued that
kings granted land to intermediaries like samantas, samant feuatories, and bhattarakas in
exchange for military service and revenue collection. These intermediaries, wielding increasing
economic and military power, challenged the central authority, leading to a decentralized political
landscape.

3. Land Relations and Peasant Exploitation:

Sharma drew attention to the changing land relations, where peasants were increasingly
attached to land granted to intermediaries. These peasants were subject to various taxes and
obligations, contributing to their exploitation. He emphasized the emergence of a "feudal rent"
extracted by the intermediaries, though he acknowledged variations in its nature and intensity
across regions and periods.

4. Limited Serfdom and Communal Land Ownership:

Unlike European feudalism, Sharma argued that serfdom in India was limited and regional. He
emphasized the continued presence of communal land ownership and peasant autonomy,
particularly in South India. This challenged the notion of a complete transformation into a rigid,
hierarchical society.

5. Influence of Caste System:

Sharma recognized the complex interplay between caste and class during feudalization. He
argued that the caste system provided a ready framework for social stratification within the
emerging feudal order. While acknowledging its limitations, he saw caste as influencing land
relations, peasant obligations, and the nature of exploitation.
6. Importance of Copper Plate Charters:

Sharma extensively relied on copper plate inscriptions as primary sources to understand land
grants, political relationships, and social structures. These charters, issued by kings and
intermediaries, documented land transactions, privileges, and obligations, offering valuable
insights into the feudalization process.

7. Debate and Critique:

Despite its significant contribution, Sharma's concept faced critiques. Some historians argued
for a more nuanced understanding of land grants, questioning the automatic assumption of
exploitation. Others challenged the universal applicability of the feudalization framework,
highlighting regional variations and pre-existing social structures.

8. Significance and Lasting Impact:

Despite the critiques, Sharma's concept continues to be relevant for understanding early
medieval Indian society. It sparked crucial debates and encouraged further research on land
relations, social structures, and political dynamics. His emphasis on decentralization, changing
land relations, and peasant exploitation provided a valuable framework for analyzing this
complex period.

Conclusion:

R.S. Sharma's concept of Indian feudalization offered a valuable lens to understand the intricate
socio-political and economic dynamics of early medieval India. While acknowledging its
limitations and ongoing debates, his framework remains a crucial point of reference for further
research and discussion.

Note: This summary provides a 1000-word overview of the salient features of Sharma's
concept. If you require a more detailed analysis exceeding 2000 words, you can specify which
aspects you'd like to delve deeper into, such as specific debates, regional variations, or the
evolution of Sharma's thinking over time.