According to the land categories mentioned in Chola inscriptions, which specific term was used for land donated to Jaina religious institutions?

Introduction / Context:
Chola inscriptions are an important source for understanding the revenue system and religious patronage of early medieval South India. They classify different types of land grants based on who received the land and for what purpose. One of these terms is associated specifically with land donated to Jaina religious institutions. This question tests knowledge of these technical Sanskrit and Tamil revenue terms and how they connect to the history of religions such as Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism in the Chola period.

Given Data / Assumptions:
The question tells us that the classification comes from Chola inscriptions. It mentions that the land type in question is linked to Jaina institutions. We also assume that the options given are all technical land categories that appear in records such as copper plate grants and stone inscriptions from South India. The task is simply to match the correct term with the correct beneficiary group, which in this case is the Jaina community.

Concept / Approach:
Under the Cholas, land grants were carefully named. Vellanvagai usually referred to land held by non Brahmana peasant proprietors. Brahmadeya referred to land grants made to Brahmana communities or individual Brahmana beneficiaries. Shalabhoga was associated with land or revenue assigned for the maintenance of a temple. Pallichchhandam referred very specifically to land donated to Jain monasteries or Jaina religious establishments known as Pallis. Remembering which term goes with which religious group is the key idea here.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Chola inscriptions classify land based on who receives the grant and the type of institution. Step 2: Identify that the question is asking about land given to Jaina institutions, which were often called Pallis in South Indian inscriptions. Step 3: Match each option with its standard historical meaning. Vellanvagai relates to peasant lands, Brahmadeya to Brahmana grants, and Shalabhoga to temple support. Step 4: Recognise that Pallichchhandam is derived from the term Palli and is used for lands granted to Jain monasteries and Jaina communities. Step 5: Conclude that Pallichchhandam is the correct technical term for land donated to Jaina institutions.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick cross check can be done by recalling parallel questions often asked in exams, such as which term refers to lands granted to Brahmanas or which term refers to temple maintenance land. In such lists Vellanvagai, Brahmadeya, Devadana, Shalabhoga, and Pallichchhandam frequently appear together, and Pallichchhandam is consistently linked with Jaina monasteries. This repeated association across different textbooks and exam questions confirms that Pallichchhandam is the correct answer here.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Vellanvagai is wrong because it refers to land of non Brahmana peasant proprietors, not to Jaina institutions. Brahmadeya is incorrect because it describes land grants made to Brahmana donees and agraharas. Shalabhoga is also wrong because it is associated with temple related lands or revenue, especially for the upkeep of Hindu temples. Devadana is a generic term for land granted to temples or deities, not specifically to Jain monasteries. None of these alternative categories specify Jaina beneficiaries.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to confuse all religious land grants under one generic term such as Devadana or to suppose that Brahmadeya refers to all religious endowments. Another error is to assume that any unfamiliar term like Pallichchhandam must be less important or less likely to be correct. In fact exam setters often choose the more technical term as the right answer. Students should therefore memorise at least one clear association for each term so that they can avoid guessing based on vague similarity of sound. Careful reading of medieval South Indian history and inscriptional terminology helps to avoid these confusions.

Final Answer:
The land category used in Chola inscriptions for land donated specifically to Jaina institutions was called Pallichchhandam.