lunganna

Lunganna, also known as Langganā, is a term with historical significance in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in the context of land revenue systems. It generally referred to a class of intermediaries or tenure-holders who collected land revenue from cultivators and paid a portion of it to the state. These intermediaries occupied a position between the actual tillers of the soil and the ruling authority. The exact nature and powers of Lunganna varied across different regions and historical periods, often depending on the prevailing administrative policies and local customs. In some instances, they held hereditary rights, while in others, their position was based on grants or appointments. The system of Lunganna played a role in the agrarian economy by facilitating the collection of revenue and maintaining a degree of local control over land management. However, it also sometimes led to exploitation of the peasantry, as intermediaries could impose additional cesses or demand higher shares of the produce. The abolition or modification of the Lunganna system was often a feature of land reforms undertaken by various rulers and governments throughout history. Understanding Lunganna provides insight into the complex land tenure and revenue structures that shaped rural societies in pre-colonial and colonial India.