DEVOTTARA - தேவோட்டர

Language - Sanskrit/Telugu

Telugu Word - తేవోట్టర

Religious Endowment or Rent-free Land Grant for Temple Support. Example: The 'devottara' lands granted to the temple provided a steady source of income for its maintenance and daily operations. This term is derived from Sanskrit, combining 'deva' (god or deity) and 'uttara' (meaning elevated or superior). It signifies a religious endowment or a specific type of land grant where the land is given rent-free for the support and maintenance of a temple or religious institution. These grants were common in ancient and medieval India, reflecting the importance of religion and the role of temples in society. Understanding devottara grants is crucial for interpreting historical land documents and understanding the relationship between religion and land ownership in Telangana.