: These "donees" (land recipients) gained administrative and judicial rights, weakening central authority. Peasant Subjection
The period saw the weakening of central authority. The king could no longer pay his officials in cash (due to the scarcity of coins). Instead, land grants became the norm. This gave rise to the (feudal intermediaries).
While Sharma's "Indian Feudalism" model has faced critiques for its universal application, it remains a foundational text for understanding land relations and social dynamics in South Asia. The book is essential for students of Indian history and is widely available through publishers like Orient Blackswan. Indias Ancient Past Ram Sharan Sharma
