What did the term Udankuttam refer to in early medieval South Indian polity?

Answer & Explanation

Answer: [A]

The term Udankuttam in early medieval South Indian polity referred to a body of officers. Udankuttam was a collective term used to describe a group or body of officers who served in various administrative capacities within the ruling structure of the South Indian kingdoms.

These officers held important administrative and bureaucratic positions and were responsible for assisting the king in governance. They played a crucial role in the day-to-day functioning of the kingdom, managing revenue administration, law and order, land records, taxation, and other administrative tasks.

The Udankuttam consisted of officials from different ranks and departments, each with specific responsibilities and areas of expertise. They formed a hierarchical administrative structure and worked closely with the king or the central authority to ensure the smooth functioning of the kingdom.

While the other options mentioned, such as a group of small villages (option B), a tax (option C), or a section of the Navy (option D), may have had their own significance in early medieval South Indian polity, the term Udankuttam specifically referred to a body of officers involved in administration and governance.