Chola Empire and its Bureaucracy

The Chola Empire was a prominent South Indian dynasty that flourished between the 9th and 13th centuries CE. The Cholas established a well-organized bureaucracy to govern their vast empire. The Chola bureaucracy was hierarchical, with different grades of officers responsible for various administrative functions.

Highest Grade of Officers in Chola Bureaucracy

The highest grade of officers in the Chola bureaucracy was called "Perundram." It is the correct answer to the given question. Let's explore the different grades of officers in the Chola administrative system to understand their roles and responsibilities:

1. Sirutaram:
- Sirutaram refers to the lowest grade of officers in the Chola bureaucracy.
- They were responsible for carrying out routine administrative tasks at the local level.
- Sirutaram officers were in charge of maintaining law and order, tax collection, and resolving minor disputes within their assigned jurisdictions.

2. Marayam:
- Marayam officers held a higher rank than Sirutaram officers.
- They were responsible for managing revenue administration and land records.
- Marayam officers assessed and collected taxes, monitored agricultural production, and maintained land records.

3. Marosi:
- Marosi was the middle-grade officer in the Chola administrative hierarchy.
- They were responsible for overseeing the day-to-day functioning of the villages and towns under their jurisdiction.
- Marosi officers supervised the implementation of government policies, maintained law and order, and resolved disputes.

4. Perundram:
- Perundram officers held the highest rank in the Chola bureaucracy.
- They served as the chief administrative officers in the empire.
- Perundram officers were responsible for the overall governance of larger regions or provinces.
- They supervised the lower-ranking officers, ensured efficient administration, and reported directly to the king.

Conclusion

In the Chola bureaucracy, the highest grade of officers was known as Perundram. These officers held significant responsibilities and oversaw the governance of larger regions or provinces within the empire. Understanding the hierarchical structure of the Chola bureaucracy helps us appreciate the complexity and efficiency of their administrative system.