All questions of South India And The Cholas (800-1200 A.D.) for UPSC CSE Exam

1. The Nayanars and the Alvars figured for the first time in this period.
   • The Nayanars and Alvars, who were Tamil poet-saints, actually predate the Chola period. They were prominent during the early medieval period, particularly during the Pallava and Pandya periods. This statement is True.
2. The age of Kamba is the golden age of Tamil literature.
   • This statement is often considered true because Kamban's era is regarded as a significant period in Tamil literary history. Kamban wrote the Tamil Ramayana, a monumental work in Tamil literature.
3. Kamban, the author of Ramayana, lived in the court of a Chola king.
   • This is true. Kamban, the Tamil poet who wrote the Ramavataram (the Tamil version of the Ramayana), lived during the Chola period and is believed to have been patronized by a Chola king.
4. The collected writings of Nayanars and the Alvars in the name of Tirumuries came to be looked upon as the fifth Veda.
   • This statement is generally true, as the collected works of the Nayanars (Tevaram) and Alvars (Nalayira Divya Prabandham) are highly revered in Tamil literature and are sometimes considered equivalent to a fifth Veda.

Executive Committee of Sabha

The executive committee of Sabha was called variyam. Sabha was a type of assembly in ancient India which was used for various purposes such as religious, social, and political gatherings. The Sabha was headed by the president and the executive committee was responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of the Sabha.

Function of Variyam

The variyam was an important part of the executive committee of the Sabha. It was responsible for the following functions:

1. Administration: The variyam was responsible for the administration of the Sabha. It managed the finances, maintained the records, and ensured that the decisions taken by the Sabha were implemented.

2. Coordination: The variyam coordinated with other committees of the Sabha to ensure that the various activities of the Sabha were carried out smoothly.

3. Communication: The variyam was responsible for communicating the decisions taken by the Sabha to the members and the public.

4. Representation: The variyam represented the Sabha in various forums and ensured that the interests of the Sabha were protected.

Significance of Sabha

The Sabha played an important role in ancient India. It was a platform for people to come together and discuss various issues. The Sabha was used for various purposes such as settling disputes, making important decisions, and promoting social and cultural activities. The Sabha was also used for political purposes and played a key role in the governance of the kingdom.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the executive committee of the Sabha was called variyam. The variyam was responsible for the administration, coordination, communication, and representation of the Sabha. The Sabha played an important role in ancient India and was used for various purposes such as religious, social, and political gatherings.

The Uttarmerur inscription is an important source of knowledge for understanding the functioning of village assemblies during the medieval period in South India. The inscription was discovered in a temple in Uttarmerur, a village in the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu. It is believed to date back to the 10th century CE and provides valuable insights into the administrative and social systems of that era.

Functioning of the Sabha
The inscription gives details of the functioning of the village assembly or Sabha. The Sabha was a democratically elected body that was responsible for the governance of the village. The inscription describes the election process, qualifications for membership, and the functions of the Sabha.

The Sabha was composed of 30 members who were elected by the people of the village. The election process was conducted by a committee of five people who were also elected by the villagers. The members of the Sabha had to be over 35 years of age, married, and have a good reputation in the village.

The Sabha had several functions such as the maintenance of law and order, collection of taxes, and the resolution of disputes. The inscription provides details of the fines that were imposed for various offenses such as theft, adultery, and defamation. It also mentions the penalties for non-payment of taxes.

The Sabha had a judicial function as well. It had the power to hear and resolve disputes between villagers and to impose penalties on those found guilty. The Sabha also had the power to expel members who were found guilty of violating its rules.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the Uttarmerur inscription provides valuable insights into the functioning of village assemblies during the medieval period in South India. It shows that the Sabha was a democratically elected body that was responsible for the governance of the village. The Sabha had several functions such as the maintenance of law and order, collection of taxes, and the resolution of disputes. The inscription is an important historical document that sheds light on the administrative and social systems of that era.

The village assemblies under the Cholas did not have the power to refuse to pay land revenue to the central government.

Under the Chola dynasty, the village assemblies, also known as Sabhas or Urar, enjoyed a significant amount of autonomy and had various privileges and powers. These assemblies were responsible for the local governance and administration of their respective villages. They played a crucial role in the socio-economic and political life of the Chola society.

Powers enjoyed by the village assemblies under the Cholas:

1. Punishment: The village assemblies had the power to punish guilty individuals. They could hold trials and mete out punishments for crimes committed within their jurisdiction. This helped maintain law and order at the local level.

2. Taxation: The village assemblies could levy taxes on the villagers to meet local needs. They had the authority to collect and utilize these taxes for the welfare and development of the village. This power enabled the assemblies to address the specific requirements of their communities.

3. Appointment of executive officers: The village assemblies had the power to appoint their own executive officers. These officers, known as Talaikkarar or Kudavolaiyars, were responsible for implementing the decisions of the assembly and overseeing various administrative functions. The assemblies had the authority to select individuals who they believed were capable of effectively carrying out these responsibilities.

Power not enjoyed by the village assemblies under the Cholas:

4. Refusal to pay land revenue: The village assemblies did not have the power to refuse to pay land revenue to the central government. The Chola administration collected land revenue as a form of taxation from the villages to maintain the functioning of the central government and support various public works and infrastructure projects. The village assemblies were expected to contribute their share of land revenue, and failure to do so would have resulted in punitive measures by the central authority.

In conclusion, while the village assemblies under the Cholas enjoyed a great amount of autonomy and various privileges, they did not have the power to refuse to pay land revenue to the central government. This was an essential aspect of the administrative structure in the Chola empire, ensuring the financial stability and smooth functioning of the central administration.

He introduced the tradition of beginning the chola epigraphs with historical introduction

B)Cultivators were organized into guilds called urar or nattar.

The statement "Cultivators were organized into guilds called urar or nattar" is the most revealing as it highlights the social and economic organization of the agricultural sector during the Chola period. It suggests that cultivators had a collective identity and worked together to protect their interests, indicating a level of social cohesion and organization. Additionally, the guilds likely played a role in regulating agricultural activities and resolving disputes, demonstrating a certain level of governance within the community.

The wages of a laborer.

Subject Matter of the work "Kulottungen-Kaveri"

Introduction:
The work "Kulottungen-Kaveri" is a Tamil literary work that provides a graphic account of the foreign merchants who visited Tamil land under the Cholas. It is a valuable historical source that offers insights into the trade and cultural exchanges that took place during the Chola dynasty.

Importance of "Kulottungen-Kaveri":
"Kulottungen-Kaveri" holds significant historical and cultural importance as it sheds light on the interactions between the Cholas and foreign merchants. It provides valuable information about the economic and cultural exchanges that occurred during the Chola period.

Content:
The work primarily focuses on the foreign merchants who visited the Tamil land under the rule of the Cholas. It describes their experiences, interactions with the local people, and the impact of their trade on the society and economy of the region. The content of "Kulottungen-Kaveri" can be categorized into several key aspects:

1. Description of Foreign Merchants:
- The work provides vivid descriptions of the foreign merchants who visited Tamil land.
- It highlights their customs, traditions, and the goods they traded.
- It also presents their interactions with the local people, including the Chola rulers.

2. Trade and Commerce:
- "Kulottungen-Kaveri" offers valuable insights into the economic activities that took place during the Chola period.
- It describes the nature of trade, the goods that were traded, and the routes followed by the merchants.
- The work also provides information about the impact of trade on the local economy and society.

3. Cultural Exchanges:
- The work explores the cultural exchanges that occurred between the Cholas and the foreign merchants.
- It discusses the influence of foreign cultures on the local traditions and practices.
- It also highlights the adoption of new ideas, technologies, and customs by the Cholas.

4. Historical Context:
- "Kulottungen-Kaveri" provides historical context by mentioning the Chola dynasty and its rulers.
- It references the reign of Kulottunga, a famous Chola king, but it is not primarily a biography of him.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the subject matter of the work "Kulottungen-Kaveri" is a graphic account of the foreign merchants who visited Tamil land under the Cholas. It offers valuable insights into trade, commerce, cultural exchanges, and the historical context of the Chola dynasty. This work is an essential source for understanding the economic, social, and cultural dynamics of the Chola period.

B

Introduction:
The Battle of Takkolam was a significant military confrontation between the Chola dynasty and the Rashtrakuta dynasty that took place in the 10th century. The outcome of this battle had far-reaching consequences for the political landscape of South India during that time.

Background:
During the 9th and 10th centuries, the Chola dynasty, under the leadership of various rulers, expanded its territory and established its dominance over a large part of South India. However, they faced stiff competition from other powerful dynasties, including the Rashtrakutas.

Key Rulers:
- Aditya I: Aditya I was the founder of the Chola dynasty. He laid the foundation for Chola power and initiated the process of territorial expansion.
- Kulottunga I: Kulottunga I was one of the most illustrious rulers of the Chola dynasty. He is known for his military campaigns and successful administration.
- Rajendra Chola I: Rajendra Chola I, the son of Rajaraja Chola, was a renowned military strategist. He expanded the Chola empire to its zenith.
- Parantaka I: Parantaka I was a powerful Chola ruler who ascended the throne in the 10th century. He continued the expansionist policies of his predecessors.

The Battle of Takkolam:
The Battle of Takkolam took place in 949 CE between Parantaka I of the Chola dynasty and Krishna III of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. The exact circumstances leading to the battle are not well-documented. However, it is believed that the Rashtrakutas, who were vying for supremacy in the region, invaded the Chola territory and engaged in a military confrontation.

Outcome:
In the Battle of Takkolam, Krishna III of the Rashtrakuta dynasty emerged victorious over Parantaka I of the Chola dynasty. This defeat had a significant impact on the Chola dynasty's hold over the region. It marked a decline in Chola power and allowed the Rashtrakutas to assert their dominance in the political landscape of South India.

Conclusion:
The Battle of Takkolam was a crucial event in South Indian history. It witnessed the defeat of Parantaka I, a powerful Chola ruler, by Krishna III of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. This outcome altered the power dynamics in the region and led to a decline in Chola influence.

The correct answer is A

Uttaramerur Inscription and the Institution of Sabha

The Uttaramerur Inscription is an important historical document that provides valuable insights into the ancient political and administrative system of South India. This inscription, dating back to the 10th century CE, describes in great detail the institution of the sabha, which was a representative assembly in the Chola kingdom. The inscription is written in Tamil and is considered one of the earliest and most elaborate records of local self-government in India.

Reign of Parantaka I

The correct answer to the question is option 'C', which states that the Uttaramerur inscription pertains to the reign of Parantaka I. Parantaka I was a prominent ruler of the Chola dynasty who reigned from 907 to 955 CE. His reign marked a period of extensive administrative reforms and territorial expansion. The inscription provides valuable information about the political structure and governance system during his reign.

Details of the Sabhas

The Uttaramerur Inscription provides a detailed account of the sabhas, which were local assemblies responsible for various administrative functions. The inscription describes the process of electing members to the sabhas, their roles and responsibilities, and the regulations governing their functioning. The sabhas were an integral part of the democratic and decentralized governance system in the Chola kingdom.

Electoral Process

The inscription outlines the electoral process for selecting members of the sabhas. It describes the eligibility criteria for candidates, the qualifications required for voting, and the procedures for conducting elections. The process involved the nomination of candidates, scrutiny of their qualifications, and the casting of votes by eligible members of the community.

Roles and Responsibilities

The inscription also provides insights into the roles and responsibilities of the sabhas. The sabhas were responsible for resolving disputes, maintaining law and order, and overseeing the collection and distribution of taxes. They also played a crucial role in the administration of justice and the welfare of the local community.

Regulations and Punishments

The Uttaramerur Inscription lays down specific regulations for the functioning of the sabhas and prescribes punishments for misconduct. It emphasizes the importance of impartiality, integrity, and accountability in the conduct of sabha members. Violations of the prescribed rules and regulations could result in disqualification, fines, or even expulsion from the assembly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Uttaramerur Inscription pertains to the reign of Parantaka I and provides detailed information about the institution of the sabha in the Chola kingdom. The inscription sheds light on the electoral process, roles and responsibilities, regulations, and punishments associated with the sabhas. It is a valuable historical document that highlights the existence of a decentralized and democratic governance system in ancient South India.

Share in the Produce of the Land during the Time of Rajaraja

Introduction:
Rajaraja Chola was a famous king of the Chola dynasty who ruled from 985 CE to 1014 CE. He is known for his significant contributions to the fields of art, literature, and architecture. He was also known for his administrative reforms, including the share in the produce of the land.

Share in the Produce of the Land:
During the time of Rajaraja, the share in the produce of the land was fixed at one-third. This means that the cultivator had to give one-third of the total produce to the state as revenue. The remaining two-thirds were kept by the cultivator for his own use.

Reasons for One-Third Share:
There were several reasons why the share in the produce of the land was fixed at one-third during the time of Rajaraja. Some of the reasons are as follows:

1. To ensure a regular income for the state:
By fixing the share at one-third, the state could ensure a regular income from the land. This income was used to pay for the expenses of the state, including the salaries of the officials and the maintenance of the army.

2. To encourage agricultural production:
The share in the produce of the land was not fixed at a very high rate, which encouraged the cultivators to produce more. This, in turn, led to an increase in agricultural production and the availability of food.

3. To prevent exploitation of the cultivators:
If the share in the produce of the land was fixed at a very high rate, then the cultivators would have been exploited. They would have had very little incentive to produce more and would have been forced to give most of their produce to the state.

Conclusion:
The share in the produce of the land was fixed at one-third during the time of Rajaraja. This was a reasonable rate that ensured a regular income for the state, encouraged agricultural production, and prevented the exploitation of the cultivators.

The correct answer is option 'D' - All of the above. Rajaraja Chola I, also known as Rajaraja the Great, was one of the most notable rulers of the Chola dynasty in South India. He reigned from 985 to 1014 CE and made significant political contributions during his rule.

Conquest of Sri Lanka:
One of the major political contributions of Rajaraja was the conquest of Sri Lanka. Rajaraja embarked on a military campaign to conquer the island nation and succeeded in annexing it to the Chola Empire. This conquest led to a long drawn struggle between the Cholas and the Sinhalese, the native people of Sri Lanka. The Cholas established their authority over the island and exerted their political influence.

Spread of Tamil Culture:
The conquest of the northern part of Sri Lanka by Rajaraja also resulted in the spread of Tamil culture in that region. The Cholas were predominantly Tamil-speaking, and their rule brought the Tamil language, customs, and traditions to Sri Lanka. Tamil became one of the official languages of administration, and the influence of Tamil culture expanded in the conquered territories.

Vassal State of Chalukyas of Vengi:
Another political contribution of Rajaraja was the subjugation of the kingdom of the Chalukyas of Vengi. The Chalukyas, who were powerful rulers in the Deccan region, became a vassal or dependent state of the Cholas under Rajaraja's rule. This political arrangement allowed the Cholas to extend their influence further into the Deccan and establish their authority over the Chalukya territories.

Overall, Rajaraja's political contributions included the conquest of Sri Lanka, the spread of Tamil culture in the conquered territories, and the establishment of the Chalukyas of Vengi as a vassal state. These contributions expanded the Chola Empire's political influence and solidified Rajaraja's status as one of the greatest rulers in South Indian history.

Introduction:
During the period mentioned, the non-Brahmanas played a significant role in the social and political landscape of ancient India. Among them, the Shudras were the most prominent. This can be attributed to several factors, including their numerical strength, social and economic influence, and political participation.

Numerical strength:
- The Shudras constituted the largest section of the Indian society during this period. They were the working class and formed the majority of the population.
- As per the varna system, the Shudras were considered the lowest in the social hierarchy and were primarily engaged in menial tasks and labor-intensive professions.
- However, their large numbers gave them significant influence and bargaining power.

Social and economic influence:
- Despite their low social status, the Shudras were not entirely marginalized. Many of them held important positions in society, especially as skilled craftsmen, traders, and farmers.
- Their economic contributions were crucial for the overall prosperity of the society. They played an essential role in agriculture, trade, and craftsmanship, which were the backbone of the economy.
- The presence of prosperous Shudra merchants and artisans further enhanced their social standing and influence.

Political participation:
- The Shudras actively participated in the political affairs of ancient India. While they were excluded from the Brahmanical rituals and religious activities, they had a say in political decision-making.
- Many Shudra rulers and chieftains emerged during this period. They formed their own kingdoms and dynasties, challenging the hegemony of the Brahmanas and Kshatriyas.
- Some prominent examples include Gautamiputra Satakarni, a Shudra ruler who established the Satavahana dynasty, and Mahapadma Nanda, who founded the Nanda dynasty.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Shudras were the most prominent among the non-Brahmanas during this period due to their numerical strength, social and economic influence, and political participation. Despite their low social status, they played a crucial role in shaping the society and economy of ancient India. Their contributions cannot be overlooked, and their prominence challenges the notion of a rigid social hierarchy based solely on birth.

Explanation:

Assertion A: Rajendra assumed the title of Mummadi Chola.

Reason R: Rajendra's campaign in north India was to demonstrate the strength of the Cholas.

Option B is the correct answer - Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct reason for A.

Explanation:

Rajendra Chola was a famous ruler of the Chola dynasty who ruled from 1014 CE to 1044 CE. He was the son of Rajaraja Chola, who was also a great ruler of the Chola dynasty. Rajendra Chola is known for his conquests of various parts of India and Sri Lanka.

Assertion A is true - Rajendra assumed the title of Mummadi Chola. Mummadi Chola means "the Chola who wore three crowns." The three crowns refer to the three regions of South India, North India, and Sri Lanka, which were conquered by Rajendra Chola.

Reason R is also true - Rajendra's campaign in north India was to demonstrate the strength of the Cholas. Rajendra Chola's campaign in north India was a part of his overall strategy to expand the Chola empire and demonstrate their military strength. He conquered many regions in north India, including the Ganga-Yamuna doab, Bihar, and Bengal. He also defeated the powerful Pala dynasty and the Eastern Chalukya dynasty.

However, Reason R is not the correct reason for Assertion A. Rajendra assumed the title of Mummadi Chola to signify his conquest of the three regions of South India, North India, and Sri Lanka. The conquest of North India was just one part of his overall strategy, and it was not the main reason why he assumed the title of Mummadi Chola.

In conclusion, Option B is the correct answer - Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct reason for A.

Assertion A: The actual collection of the taxes in Chola villages was the concern of the ur or the sabha.
Reason R: The feudatories or Chola officials were not allowed to collect the taxes directly from the tax-payer, thus eliminating any chances of his oppression by the above-mentioned functionaries.

Explanation:
The Chola dynasty, which ruled a significant part of South India from the 9th to the 13th centuries, had a well-organized system for tax collection in their villages. The assertion states that the actual collection of taxes in Chola villages was the concern of the ur or the sabha, which was the local assembly or council.

Reason R provides an explanation for this assertion. It states that the feudatories or Chola officials were not allowed to collect taxes directly from the tax-payer. This measure was taken to eliminate any chances of oppression or exploitation by these functionaries.

Let's analyze the assertion and reason individually:

Assertion A: The actual collection of the taxes in Chola villages was the concern of the ur or the sabha.

The Chola administration had a decentralized system of governance where local assemblies called ur or sabha played a crucial role. These assemblies were responsible for various local matters, including tax collection. The assertion is true as the ur or sabha had the authority to collect taxes in Chola villages.

Reason R: The feudatories or Chola officials were not allowed to collect the taxes directly from the tax-payer, thus eliminating any chances of his oppression by the above-mentioned functionaries.

The reason explains why the ur or sabha was responsible for tax collection. It states that the Chola officials, known as feudatories, were prohibited from directly collecting taxes from the tax-payers. This measure was put in place to prevent any potential oppression or exploitation by the officials.

Conclusion:

Both the assertion and the reason are true. The assertion correctly states that the actual collection of taxes in Chola villages was the responsibility of the ur or sabha. The reason provides an explanation for this by stating that the Chola officials were not allowed to directly collect taxes to prevent any oppression. However, the reason alone does not provide a complete or direct explanation for the assertion. It is a contributing factor, but not the sole reason for the ur or sabha being responsible for tax collection.

Hence, the correct answer is Option B: If both A and R are true but R is not the correct reason for A.

Assertion A: The position of the Chola feudatories remained sub-servient to the Chola kings unlike the feudatories of the Rashtrakutas.

The assertion states that the position of the Chola feudatories was subservient to the Chola kings, unlike the feudatories of the Rashtrakutas.

Reason R: The Chola villages enjoyed autonomy and the feudatories simply passed the king's share of revenue.

The reason given is that the Chola villages enjoyed autonomy and the feudatories only passed the king's share of revenue.

The correct answer is option 'B': If both A and R are true but R is not the correct reason for A.

Explanation:

The Chola feudatories were local rulers who held authority over specific regions under the Chola dynasty. They were appointed by the Chola kings to govern these territories and collect revenue on their behalf. While the feudatories had a certain degree of autonomy in their administration, they were ultimately subordinate to the Chola kings.

Chola Feudatories:
- The Chola kings appointed feudatories to maintain control over their vast empire and ensure the smooth collection of revenue.
- The feudatories were responsible for governing their respective regions and collecting taxes from the villages under their control.
- However, the authority of the feudatories was limited, and they had to report to the Chola kings regularly.
- The feudatories were expected to pass on the king's share of revenue collected from the villages to the Chola kings.
- They were also required to contribute troops and resources to the Chola army during times of war.

Chola Villages Autonomy:
- The Chola villages enjoyed a certain level of autonomy in their local affairs.
- They had their own administrative systems and village councils known as "sabhas" that governed their internal matters.
- The village assemblies were responsible for maintaining law and order, resolving disputes, and managing local resources.
- However, the village administration was supervised by the feudatories who acted as representatives of the Chola kings.
- The feudatories had the power to intervene in village affairs if necessary and ensure compliance with the Chola administration.

Comparison with Rashtrakutas:
- In contrast to the Chola feudatories, the feudatories of the Rashtrakutas had a higher degree of independence and authority.
- The Rashtrakuta feudatories were often powerful and influential rulers in their own right.
- They controlled large territories and had their own armies, coinage, and administrative systems.
- The Rashtrakuta kings relied heavily on their feudatories for both revenue collection and military support.
- The feudatories of the Rashtrakutas enjoyed a greater level of autonomy and were not as directly controlled by the central authority.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the position of the Chola feudatories remained subservient to the Chola kings, and the autonomy enjoyed by the Chola villages was not the correct reason for this subordination. The Chola feudatories had limited authority and were accountable to the Chola kings, unlike the feudatories of the Rashtrakutas who had more independence and power.