The correct option is Tamil.
Explanation
From the seventh century onwards, particularly during the Pallava and Pandya periods, the practice of issuing land grants recorded on copper plates became widespread in Tamil Nadu. These inscriptions are distinct for their bilingual format, reflecting both royal authority and local administration.Analysis of the Linguistic Pattern:
- Sanskrit Section: The initial part of these inscriptions, known as the Prashasti (eulogy), was typically written in Sanskrit. This section detailed the genealogy of the king, his mythical origins, and his conquests, serving to legitimize the ruler's status in the classical Brahmanical tradition.
- Tamil Section: The subsequent section, which recorded the actual details of the land grant, was written in Tamil. This part specified the boundaries of the land, the taxes to be exempted or collected, the names of the donees, and the witnesses.
- Rationale: The use of Tamil for the operational details ensured that the local population, village assemblies (Sabha/Ur), and revenue officials clearly understood the terms of the grant and the boundaries involved.
Key Takeaway:
Land grant inscriptions in medieval Tamil Nadu were typically bilingual, using Sanskrit for the royal genealogy and Tamil for the specific administrative details of the land.