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Samanta was the title and status used in Indian subcontinent history between the 4th and 12th centuries to signify a vassal or subject lord. The institution is seen to be strongly related with the birth and development of feudalism in India and Medieval India.

As evidenced by its use in the Arthashastra and Ashokan edicts, the name 'Samanta' originally meant a 'neighbour,' and in the Mauryan period, the term referred to the autonomous ruler of an adjoining province.