Meaning of BISWADARI

BISWADARI

Language - Tamil

Tamil Word - பிஸ்வாதாரி

Proprietary tenure or ownership rights in a 'bisa' (a type of landholding), or the tenure of independent village communities under the authority of a superior 'taluqdar' (landlord or revenue collector). It could also refer to a primitive tribe inhabiting forest and mountain regions in certain parts of India, including Bihar and Chota Nagpur. Example: The 'biswadari' system granted certain rights and privileges to village communities, allowing them to manage their lands and resources with a degree of autonomy under the 'taluqdar's' oversight. This term highlights the complex land tenure systems and social hierarchies that existed in historical India, including Tamil Nadu. Understanding the concept of 'biswadari' is crucial for interpreting historical land records and understanding the relationship between different social groups and the ruling authorities.