Sirdars

In Urik, nobles are known as sirdars. They are the only people permitted to own land. Sirdars collect rent from free tenant farmers or have their retainers oversee slave-worked fields. Hamanu gives property to sirdars in recognition of their achievements. In this way, great warriors, high-ranking templars, priests, magistrates, and other distinguished officials become landowners and collect the rents and crops produced on their estates. Gaining an office that carries elevation to the sirdar class is often a matter of politics, but Hamanu is sincere in rewarding Urikites of exceptional ability who serve him well. Over the years, many common-born citizens have gained estates on their own merits. These awarded lands pass to the sirdar’s descendants, who keep them (and the title) as long as they maintain the holdings in good order. Children of sirdar families are expected to make something of themselves, and most seek a high rank in the army or become templars or other officials.