In early medieval India around the seventh century CE, big landlords or warrior chiefs who were acknowledged as subordinates by existing kings were commonly known by which title?

Introduction / Context:
This question is about political structures in early medieval India, when power was often decentralised and kings relied on smaller chiefs and landlords to control territory. These subordinate rulers played important roles as military supporters and local administrators. Knowing the term used for such big landlords or warrior chiefs helps you understand how kingship and feudal style relations functioned in this period.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The time frame is around the seventh century CE.
• The focus is on big landlords or warrior chiefs recognised by kings as their subordinates.
• The options include Rashtrakutas, Chalukya, Samantas, Brahmanas and Mahajanas.
• We assume basic familiarity with terms for dynasties, castes and social groups in early medieval India.

Concept / Approach:
The term Samanta was widely used in inscriptions from this period to refer to subordinate rulers or big chiefs who accepted the suzerainty of a more powerful king. In return, they were granted land, titles and sometimes revenues, but they also had to provide military support and tribute. Rashtrakutas and Chalukyas were names of ruling dynasties, not generic titles for subordinates. Brahmanas denote members of the priestly caste, and Mahajanas usually refer to influential merchants or local elite, not warrior chiefs. Therefore, the correct title for such big landlords or warrior chiefs is Samantas.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the question describes a group subordinate to kings but still powerful locally. Step 2: Recall that inscriptions mention kings elevating former enemies or local chiefs to the status of Samantas, who then owed them allegiance. Step 3: Note that Rashtrakutas and Chalukyas are entire royal dynasties ruling over large regions, not just subordinate chiefs. Step 4: Recognise that Brahmanas are a priestly group and Mahajanas are often leading merchants or citizens, not military chiefs. Step 5: Choose Samantas as the only option that fits big landlords or warrior chiefs under a higher king.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by remembering that many early medieval inscriptions describe the political career of a chief moving from being an enemy to being a Samanta and sometimes later becoming a Mahasamanta or even an independent ruler. The Rashtrakutas and Chalukyas, by contrast, are mentioned as paramount powers in their own right. Brahmanas appear in the context of land grants and religious functions, while Mahajanas appear in records about urban affairs and donations. This contrast confirms that Samanta is the technical term for subordinate chiefs described in the question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Rashtrakutas: A prominent ruling dynasty in the Deccan and not a generic title applied to subordinate landlords.

Chalukya: Another major dynasty ruling parts of the Deccan and South India, not the name of subordinate chiefs.
Brahmanas: Members of the priestly caste engaged in rituals and scholarship; although some could own land, the term does not denote warrior subordinates to kings.
Mahajanas: Often refers to important merchants or leading citizens of a town, playing an economic role rather than that of a warrior chief under a king.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes mistake the names of dynasties like Rashtrakuta or Chalukya for general social categories, leading them to pick those options. Others may confuse Brahmanas or Mahajanas with all types of elites without observing that the question is specifically about warrior chiefs and big landlords subordinate to kings. To avoid confusion, remember that Samanta literally came to mean a subordinate ruler or feudatory chief in many early medieval inscriptions, and that this term is central whenever the topic of feudal like relations under Indian kings is discussed.

Final Answer:
Such big landlords or warrior chiefs were known as Samantas.