inam

An inam (from the Arabic for “gift”) was a grant made by former rulers, and later recognised by the British, under which the holder (inamdar) paid no land revenue or a reduced amount. Inams were given for village service (to the patel, shanbhog or artisans), for religious and charitable institutions such as temples and mosques, or as personal rewards. Some carried a grant of the soil, others only of the revenue.

After Independence most inams were abolished by State laws, the land vesting in the State and occupancy rights being granted to the inamdars or the tenants actually cultivating it. In Karnataka the relevant laws include the Mysore (Personal and Miscellaneous) Inams Abolition Act, 1954 and the Karnataka Certain Inams Abolition Act, 1977. Disputes over these grants are still common in Karnataka courts.

Example

On abolition of the temple inam, the tenant who had been cultivating the land applied to the Tribunal for registration as occupant.

In Indian law

• Mysore (Personal and Miscellaneous) Inams Abolition Act, 1954
• Karnataka Certain Inams Abolition Act, 1977

See also

record of rights · khata · patta · land acquisition

Read more in the study notes

• Abetment of suicide, organised crime and terrorist act (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita)
• Presumptions, judicial notice and presumption of legitimacy (Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam)
• Parentage, legitimacy and acknowledgment of paternity (Family Law II - Mohammedan Law)
• Right to education and the commercialisation of education (Indian Constitutional Law - New Challenges)
• Rights of minorities: Articles 29 and 30 (Indian Constitutional Law - New Challenges)
• The Karnataka SC and ST (Prohibition of Transfer of Certain Lands) Act, 1978 (Land Law)