In early India land grants to religious institutions were called Brahmadeya, (i.e. donated to Brahmins) Devadana (donated to Gods) and Agrahara (Settlement – of priests). Brahmadeya represented the grant of land either in a single plot or whole villages donated to Brahamans by making them land-owners or landcontrollers. These grants could vary from a small plot to several villages. Most grants were made in unsettled areas. They were exempted from various land taxes and dues either entirely or partially such as in the initial states of settlement.