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| Chola Administration |
Introduction
The Cholas had a well-organized land revenue system, known as puravuvarithinaikkalam. All lands were carefully surveyed and classified to determine appropriate tax assessments. Residential areas, known as ur nattam, and temple lands were often exempt from taxes.
In addition to land revenue, the Cholas collected various other taxes, including tolls and customs on goods transported between different regions, professional taxes, and fees levied on ceremonial occasions like marriages. To alleviate the burden on the people during difficult times, the Cholas sometimes implemented tax remissions. Kulottunga I, for example, earned the title "Sungam Tavirtta Cholan" for abolishing tolls.
The government's revenue was primarily used to fund essential services and expenditures. These included the maintenance of the king and his court, the upkeep of the army and navy, the construction and maintenance of roads, and the development of irrigation tanks and canals.
Chola Administration: Central Government under the Cholas
The Cholas established an efficient and centralized administrative system, with the emperor or king at its helm. The vastness of the Chola Empire and its abundant resources enhanced the power and prestige of the monarchy. The magnificent capital cities of Tanjore and Gangaikondacholapuram, the grand royal courts, and the extensive grants to temples served as symbols of the king's authority.
To ensure effective governance, Chola emperors undertook regular royal tours to inspect different parts of the empire and oversee administrative functions. This practice allowed them to directly address issues and maintain control over the vast territories under their rule.
The Chola administration was supported by a complex network of officials, categorized into two main groups: perundanam and sirudanam. These officials held various positions and responsibilities within the administrative hierarchy, ensuring efficient functioning of the government.
The centralized nature of the Chola administration, coupled with the effective functioning of various officials, contributed to the stability and prosperity of the empire.
Chola Administration: Military Administration under the Cholas
The Cholas maintained a formidable military force, consisting of various units such as elephants, cavalry, infantry, and a powerful navy. Inscriptions mention approximately seventy regiments within the Chola army.
The royal troops were known as Kaikkolaperumpadai, while the king's personal guard was called Velaikkarar. The Cholas placed great emphasis on military training, ensuring that their soldiers were well-prepared for combat. Military cantonments, called kadagams, were established to provide training facilities and accommodation for the troops.
The Cholas' naval power was particularly impressive, and their naval achievements reached their zenith during this period. The Cholas controlled the Malabar and Coromandal coasts, and for a time, the Bay of Bengal was effectively a Chola lake. Their naval dominance played a crucial role in their expansion and control over maritime trade routes.
Chola Administration: Provincial Administration under the Cholas
The Cholas established a well-organized provincial administration to oversee their vast empire. The empire was divided into mandalams, which were further subdivided into valanadus and nadus. Within each nadu, there were several autonomous villages.
Provincial Officials
Mandalams: The mandalams were administered by royal princes or high-ranking officials appointed by the central government.
Valanadus: The valanadus were governed by periyanattars.
Nadus: The nadus were under the authority of nattars.
Urban Administration
Towns, known as nagarams, were administered by councils called nagarattars. These councils played a significant role in managing the affairs of urban centers.
This hierarchical administrative structure, combined with the involvement of local officials, ensured effective governance and control throughout the Chola Empire.
Chola Administration: Village Administration under the Cholas
The Cholas, known for their advanced administrative system, further developed the concept of village autonomy, which had evolved over centuries. The village assemblies or sabhas played a crucial role in local governance during this period.
Uttiramerur Inscriptions
Two inscriptions from the reign of Parantaka I, found at Uttiramerur, provide valuable insights into the formation and functions of these village councils. The village was divided into thirty wards, each responsible for nominating members to the village council.
Qualifications and Disqualifications
To be eligible as a ward member, one had to meet certain criteria:
* Ownership of at least one-fourth veli of land
* Own residence
* Age between thirty and seventy
* Knowledge of the Vedas
However, certain individuals were disqualified from serving on the council, including those who had served on committees for three consecutive years, failed to submit accounts, committed sins, or stolen property.
Selection Process
From the nominated candidates, one member was selected for each ward through a process known as kudavolai. This involved writing the names of eligible candidates on palm leaves and placing them in a pot. A young boy or girl would then draw thirty names randomly, one for each ward.
Village Committees
The selected members were divided into six variyams or committees, each responsible for different aspects of village administration:
Samvatsaravariyam: Responsible for overseeing the village's annual cycle and festivals.
Erivariyam: Responsible for maintaining irrigation tanks and water resources.
Thotta Variyam: Responsible for managing village lands and forests.
Pancha Variyam: Responsible for law and order, dispute resolution, and public welfare.
Pon Variyam: Responsible for financial matters and revenue collection.
Puravuvari Variyam: Responsible for maintaining records and accounts.
These committee members, known as variyapperumakkal, met regularly, often in temples or under trees, to discuss and pass resolutions.
Variability
The number of committees and ward members varied from village to village, depending on the size and complexity of the settlement.
The village assemblies under the Cholas were a testament to the advanced nature of their administrative system and their commitment to local self-governance. These assemblies played a vital role in managing village affairs, ensuring the well-being of their communities.
Conclusion
The Chola administration stands as a testament to the advanced and efficient governance of ancient India. Their system, characterized by a centralized structure at the top, complemented by decentralized authority at the local level, ensured stability and prosperity. The Cholas' emphasis on land revenue, coupled with their diverse tax system, provided a sustainable source of income for the government.
The Cholas' military prowess, particularly their naval dominance, was instrumental in their expansion and control over maritime trade routes. Their well-organized provincial and local administration, exemplified by the village assemblies, fostered a sense of community and self-governance.
In conclusion, the Chola administration was a remarkable example of effective governance, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and inform modern administrative systems.
