Question

Which of the following statements about elections in the Chola Era is/are true?

• A. The Cholas demarcated their territory into several administrative units including Mandalams, Valanadus, Naadus, and Urrs.
• B. The Urr was the largest administrative unit. It was divided into 30 wards which had 30 elected members.
• C. The residents of each ward could recommended more than one person to be an elected member.
• D. The Greek model of democracy was inspired by the Chola system of popular elections.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (C)

The residents of each ward could recommended more than one person to be an elected member.

The Cholas were one of the first monarchies in ancient India to develop a system of popular elections. The system was known as the Kudavolai. The Cholas divided their states into smaller administrative units. Mandalams, Valanadus, Naadus, Urrs were some of the administrative divisions. Urrs were the smallest among these units. Each Urr was divided into 30 wards which had 30 elected members. Residents of each ward recommended more than one person to be an elected member. The names of candidates were written on palm leaves and put in a box. A child would then draw out 30 names from the box and elect the members of the Urr.