Question

Write a note on administration in the chola kingdom.

Answer 1

Answer:

The Chola Empire was the first to unite the entire South Indian subcontinent. The Chola government was well-organized and effective.

• The Chola Empire was divided into nine provinces known as Mandalams which were further divided into districts known as Valanadus. Each Valanadu was subdivided into several villages known as Nadus. Taniyurs were the names given to larger cities.
• Nadu was in charge of administrative tasks such as collecting taxes, administering justice, resolving disputes, and maintaining land records, among others. Separate committees in a Sabha were responsible for functions such as irrigation, parks, and temples, among others. The affairs of the Nadus were governed by rich peasants of the Vellala caste, who were supervised by the Chola government.
• Brahmins were often given land grants or Brahmadeya by Chola kings. Every Brahmadeya was administered by a Sabha of prominent Brahmin landowners, while the administration in towns was handled by associations of traders known as Nagarams. The decisions made by these Sabhas were enshrined in inscriptions on the temple walls.
• The specifics and criteria for being a member of a Sabha are mentioned in the Uttaramerur inscriptions. Several types of land are mentioned in the Chola inscriptions. The land was given names based on the reason for which the Chola kings donated it.