Question

Village assemblies were an important part of Chola administration. How?

Answer 1

Village assemblies were an important part of the Chola administration (society and polity). A self-sufficient and autonomous village was established with the help of these assemblies. The assemblies worked from the grassroot level, with participation of all villagers. At the top of the system, there were several officers and committees overlooking the work of autonomous units. According to the Uttaramerur inscriptions, there were three types of assemblies that played a prominent role in the local administration. These assemblies are as follows:
- The ur - It was an assembly of the common people. All people owning land could become its part.
- The sabha - It was an exclusive Brahmin assembly.
- The nagaram - It was an assembly of traders and merchants.