Chola Administration – Local Administration Kudavolai System | Tamil Nadu State PSC (TNPSC): Preparation - TNPSC (Tamil Nadu) PDF Download

 Page 1


10 11
UNIT – I
The Chola kings followed a highly efficient system of
administration. The entire Tanjore district, parts of Trichy, Pudukottai
and South Arcot districts formed the part of the Chola Mandalam. The
Cholas had three major administrative divisions called Central
Government, Provincial Government and Local Government. T anjore
was the capital of the Cholas. The efficient Chola administrative system
has been well appreciated by many historians and rulers.
Kingship:  The king was the head of the administration. The Chola
kings and Queens were considered as representatives of God. Their
idols were kept in temples. The Chola kingship was hereditary. The
Chola royal family followed the principle that eldest son should succeed
the king to the Chola throne.  The heir apparent was called Y uvaraja.
The Chola monarchs enjoyed enormous powers and privileges. The
Chola kings took up titles which marked their achievements. They lived
in very big royal palaces. Kings were assisted by ministers and officials
in their administration. Chola kings had tiger as their royal emblem.
Central Government:   The Central Government functioned under
the headship of the King. Council of ministers and officials took active
part in running the administration of Central Government. The higher
officials were called Peruntaram and the lower officials were called
Siruntaram.
Provincial administration:   The Chola empire was divided into nine
provinces. They were also called mandalams. The head of the province
was called viceroy . Close relatives of kings were appointed as viceroys.
The Viceroys were in constant touch with the Central Government.
Viceroys received orders from the king. They sent regular reply to the
king. The viceroys had a large number of officials to assist them in the
work of administration.
Administrative Divisions: The success of the Chola administration
depended more on the proper functioning of the administrative divisions.
Generally mandalams were named after the original names or the titles
of the Chola kings. Each mandalam was divided into number of Kottams
or V alanadus. Each kottam was sub divided into nadu. Each nadu was
further divided into (Urs) villages which form part of the last unit of the
administration. Uttaramerur inscriptions speak about the administration
of the Cholas.
Revenue:  The land revenue was the main source of income of the
Chola Government. Proper land survey was made. Lands were
classified as taxable land and non taxable land. There were many grades
in the taxable lands. Land revenue differed according to these grades.
Generally 1/6 of the land yield was collected as tax either in cash or in
kind or both according to the convenience of the farmers. Besides land
revenue, there were some other sources of income like  customs and
tolls. Taxes on mines, ports, forests and salt pans were collected.
Page 2


10 11
UNIT – I
The Chola kings followed a highly efficient system of
administration. The entire Tanjore district, parts of Trichy, Pudukottai
and South Arcot districts formed the part of the Chola Mandalam. The
Cholas had three major administrative divisions called Central
Government, Provincial Government and Local Government. T anjore
was the capital of the Cholas. The efficient Chola administrative system
has been well appreciated by many historians and rulers.
Kingship:  The king was the head of the administration. The Chola
kings and Queens were considered as representatives of God. Their
idols were kept in temples. The Chola kingship was hereditary. The
Chola royal family followed the principle that eldest son should succeed
the king to the Chola throne.  The heir apparent was called Y uvaraja.
The Chola monarchs enjoyed enormous powers and privileges. The
Chola kings took up titles which marked their achievements. They lived
in very big royal palaces. Kings were assisted by ministers and officials
in their administration. Chola kings had tiger as their royal emblem.
Central Government:   The Central Government functioned under
the headship of the King. Council of ministers and officials took active
part in running the administration of Central Government. The higher
officials were called Peruntaram and the lower officials were called
Siruntaram.
Provincial administration:   The Chola empire was divided into nine
provinces. They were also called mandalams. The head of the province
was called viceroy . Close relatives of kings were appointed as viceroys.
The Viceroys were in constant touch with the Central Government.
Viceroys received orders from the king. They sent regular reply to the
king. The viceroys had a large number of officials to assist them in the
work of administration.
Administrative Divisions: The success of the Chola administration
depended more on the proper functioning of the administrative divisions.
Generally mandalams were named after the original names or the titles
of the Chola kings. Each mandalam was divided into number of Kottams
or V alanadus. Each kottam was sub divided into nadu. Each nadu was
further divided into (Urs) villages which form part of the last unit of the
administration. Uttaramerur inscriptions speak about the administration
of the Cholas.
Revenue:  The land revenue was the main source of income of the
Chola Government. Proper land survey was made. Lands were
classified as taxable land and non taxable land. There were many grades
in the taxable lands. Land revenue differed according to these grades.
Generally 1/6 of the land yield was collected as tax either in cash or in
kind or both according to the convenience of the farmers. Besides land
revenue, there were some other sources of income like  customs and
tolls. Taxes on mines, ports, forests and salt pans were collected.
10 11
UNIT – I
The Chola kings followed a highly efficient system of
administration. The entire Tanjore district, parts of Trichy, Pudukottai
and South Arcot districts formed the part of the Chola Mandalam. The
Cholas had three major administrative divisions called Central
Government, Provincial Government and Local Government. T anjore
was the capital of the Cholas. The efficient Chola administrative system
has been well appreciated by many historians and rulers.
Kingship:  The king was the head of the administration. The Chola
kings and Queens were considered as representatives of God. Their
idols were kept in temples. The Chola kingship was hereditary. The
Chola royal family followed the principle that eldest son should succeed
the king to the Chola throne.  The heir apparent was called Y uvaraja.
The Chola monarchs enjoyed enormous powers and privileges. The
Chola kings took up titles which marked their achievements. They lived
in very big royal palaces. Kings were assisted by ministers and officials
in their administration. Chola kings had tiger as their royal emblem.
Central Government:   The Central Government functioned under
the headship of the King. Council of ministers and officials took active
part in running the administration of Central Government. The higher
officials were called Peruntaram and the lower officials were called
Siruntaram.
Provincial administration:   The Chola empire was divided into nine
provinces. They were also called mandalams. The head of the province
was called viceroy . Close relatives of kings were appointed as viceroys.
The Viceroys were in constant touch with the Central Government.
Viceroys received orders from the king. They sent regular reply to the
king. The viceroys had a large number of officials to assist them in the
work of administration.
Administrative Divisions: The success of the Chola administration
depended more on the proper functioning of the administrative divisions.
Generally mandalams were named after the original names or the titles
of the Chola kings. Each mandalam was divided into number of Kottams
or V alanadus. Each kottam was sub divided into nadu. Each nadu was
further divided into (Urs) villages which form part of the last unit of the
administration. Uttaramerur inscriptions speak about the administration
of the Cholas.
Revenue:  The land revenue was the main source of income of the
Chola Government. Proper land survey was made. Lands were
classified as taxable land and non taxable land. There were many grades
in the taxable lands. Land revenue differed according to these grades.
Generally 1/6 of the land yield was collected as tax either in cash or in
kind or both according to the convenience of the farmers. Besides land
revenue, there were some other sources of income like  customs and
tolls. Taxes on mines, ports, forests and salt pans were collected.
Page 3


10 11
UNIT – I
The Chola kings followed a highly efficient system of
administration. The entire Tanjore district, parts of Trichy, Pudukottai
and South Arcot districts formed the part of the Chola Mandalam. The
Cholas had three major administrative divisions called Central
Government, Provincial Government and Local Government. T anjore
was the capital of the Cholas. The efficient Chola administrative system
has been well appreciated by many historians and rulers.
Kingship:  The king was the head of the administration. The Chola
kings and Queens were considered as representatives of God. Their
idols were kept in temples. The Chola kingship was hereditary. The
Chola royal family followed the principle that eldest son should succeed
the king to the Chola throne.  The heir apparent was called Y uvaraja.
The Chola monarchs enjoyed enormous powers and privileges. The
Chola kings took up titles which marked their achievements. They lived
in very big royal palaces. Kings were assisted by ministers and officials
in their administration. Chola kings had tiger as their royal emblem.
Central Government:   The Central Government functioned under
the headship of the King. Council of ministers and officials took active
part in running the administration of Central Government. The higher
officials were called Peruntaram and the lower officials were called
Siruntaram.
Provincial administration:   The Chola empire was divided into nine
provinces. They were also called mandalams. The head of the province
was called viceroy . Close relatives of kings were appointed as viceroys.
The Viceroys were in constant touch with the Central Government.
Viceroys received orders from the king. They sent regular reply to the
king. The viceroys had a large number of officials to assist them in the
work of administration.
Administrative Divisions: The success of the Chola administration
depended more on the proper functioning of the administrative divisions.
Generally mandalams were named after the original names or the titles
of the Chola kings. Each mandalam was divided into number of Kottams
or V alanadus. Each kottam was sub divided into nadu. Each nadu was
further divided into (Urs) villages which form part of the last unit of the
administration. Uttaramerur inscriptions speak about the administration
of the Cholas.
Revenue:  The land revenue was the main source of income of the
Chola Government. Proper land survey was made. Lands were
classified as taxable land and non taxable land. There were many grades
in the taxable lands. Land revenue differed according to these grades.
Generally 1/6 of the land yield was collected as tax either in cash or in
kind or both according to the convenience of the farmers. Besides land
revenue, there were some other sources of income like  customs and
tolls. Taxes on mines, ports, forests and salt pans were collected.
10 11
UNIT – I
The Chola kings followed a highly efficient system of
administration. The entire Tanjore district, parts of Trichy, Pudukottai
and South Arcot districts formed the part of the Chola Mandalam. The
Cholas had three major administrative divisions called Central
Government, Provincial Government and Local Government. T anjore
was the capital of the Cholas. The efficient Chola administrative system
has been well appreciated by many historians and rulers.
Kingship:  The king was the head of the administration. The Chola
kings and Queens were considered as representatives of God. Their
idols were kept in temples. The Chola kingship was hereditary. The
Chola royal family followed the principle that eldest son should succeed
the king to the Chola throne.  The heir apparent was called Y uvaraja.
The Chola monarchs enjoyed enormous powers and privileges. The
Chola kings took up titles which marked their achievements. They lived
in very big royal palaces. Kings were assisted by ministers and officials
in their administration. Chola kings had tiger as their royal emblem.
Central Government:   The Central Government functioned under
the headship of the King. Council of ministers and officials took active
part in running the administration of Central Government. The higher
officials were called Peruntaram and the lower officials were called
Siruntaram.
Provincial administration:   The Chola empire was divided into nine
provinces. They were also called mandalams. The head of the province
was called viceroy . Close relatives of kings were appointed as viceroys.
The Viceroys were in constant touch with the Central Government.
Viceroys received orders from the king. They sent regular reply to the
king. The viceroys had a large number of officials to assist them in the
work of administration.
Administrative Divisions: The success of the Chola administration
depended more on the proper functioning of the administrative divisions.
Generally mandalams were named after the original names or the titles
of the Chola kings. Each mandalam was divided into number of Kottams
or V alanadus. Each kottam was sub divided into nadu. Each nadu was
further divided into (Urs) villages which form part of the last unit of the
administration. Uttaramerur inscriptions speak about the administration
of the Cholas.
Revenue:  The land revenue was the main source of income of the
Chola Government. Proper land survey was made. Lands were
classified as taxable land and non taxable land. There were many grades
in the taxable lands. Land revenue differed according to these grades.
Generally 1/6 of the land yield was collected as tax either in cash or in
kind or both according to the convenience of the farmers. Besides land
revenue, there were some other sources of income like  customs and
tolls. Taxes on mines, ports, forests and salt pans were collected.
12 13
Professional tax and house tax were also collected. Many other taxes
were levied. Tax burden was more on the society. Sometimes due to
failure of rain and famine people could not pay tax.
Military:  The Cholas had an efficient army and navy . The Chola army
consisted of elephantry , cavalry and infantry . Soldiers were given proper
training. Commanders enjoyed the ranks of nayaks and senapathis.
The army was divided into 70 regiments. The Chola army had 60,000
elephants. V ery costly Arabian horses were imported to strengthen the
cavalry. The Chola kings defeated the Cheras at Kandalur salai. The
kings of Ceylon and Maldives were also defeated. The Chola navy
was formidable one in South India. W ith the help of their navy the Cholas
controlled Coromandal and Malabar coasts. Bay of Bengal became
the Chola lake. The Chola army and navy together had 1,50,000 trained
soldiers. The armies of the tributary chieftains also joined Chola army
at needy times. Generally the Chola army was led by the King or
Y uvaraja.
Justice:  The Chola king was the chief justice. The Chola kings gave
enough care for the judicial administration. The village level judicial
administration was carried on by the village assembly . Minor disputes
were heard by the village assembly . Disputes were settled with proper
evidences. Punishments were awarded by the Judicial officers. The trial
of serious offences and major cases were conducted by the king himself.
Local administration:  The most important feature of the Chola
administration was the local administration at districts, towns and villages
level. Uttaramerur inscriptions speak much about the Chola
administration. V illage autonomy was the most unique feature of Chola
administrative system.
“I am more inspired and guided by the local administrative
systems of the Chola rulers and T amil literature”
Srimathi Indira Gandhi
Former Prime Minister of India
Nadu:  Nadu was one of the important administrative units of the Cholas.
Nadus had representative assemblies. The heads of the nadus were
called Nattars. The council of nadu was called nattavai. Representatives
of the Nattavais and nattars promoted agriculture. They also took care
of the protection of the people and tax collection.
Village administration: The entire responsibility of the village
administration was in the hands of the village assembly called Grama
Sabha. The lowest unit of the Chola administration was the village unit.
The village assemblies looked after the maintenance of peace, tanks,
roads, public ponds revenue collection, judiciary , education and temples.
The village assemblies were in charge of the payment of taxes due from
the villages to the treasury. They regulated public markets and helped
people at times of famine and flood. Assemblies provided provisions
for education. The village assemblies possessed absolute authority over
the affairs of villages. They maintained law and order in every village.
Brahmin settlement was called Chathurvedi mangalam.
Variyams:   Village Assemblies carried on village administration
effectively with the help of variyams. Male members of the society were
the members of these variyams. Composition of these variyams,
qualification and duration of membership differed from village to village.
There were many variyams in every village. Niyaya variyam administered
justice, Thottavariyam looked after flower gardens. The Dharma variyam
looked after charities and temples. Erivariyam was incharge of tanks
Page 4


10 11
UNIT – I
The Chola kings followed a highly efficient system of
administration. The entire Tanjore district, parts of Trichy, Pudukottai
and South Arcot districts formed the part of the Chola Mandalam. The
Cholas had three major administrative divisions called Central
Government, Provincial Government and Local Government. T anjore
was the capital of the Cholas. The efficient Chola administrative system
has been well appreciated by many historians and rulers.
Kingship:  The king was the head of the administration. The Chola
kings and Queens were considered as representatives of God. Their
idols were kept in temples. The Chola kingship was hereditary. The
Chola royal family followed the principle that eldest son should succeed
the king to the Chola throne.  The heir apparent was called Y uvaraja.
The Chola monarchs enjoyed enormous powers and privileges. The
Chola kings took up titles which marked their achievements. They lived
in very big royal palaces. Kings were assisted by ministers and officials
in their administration. Chola kings had tiger as their royal emblem.
Central Government:   The Central Government functioned under
the headship of the King. Council of ministers and officials took active
part in running the administration of Central Government. The higher
officials were called Peruntaram and the lower officials were called
Siruntaram.
Provincial administration:   The Chola empire was divided into nine
provinces. They were also called mandalams. The head of the province
was called viceroy . Close relatives of kings were appointed as viceroys.
The Viceroys were in constant touch with the Central Government.
Viceroys received orders from the king. They sent regular reply to the
king. The viceroys had a large number of officials to assist them in the
work of administration.
Administrative Divisions: The success of the Chola administration
depended more on the proper functioning of the administrative divisions.
Generally mandalams were named after the original names or the titles
of the Chola kings. Each mandalam was divided into number of Kottams
or V alanadus. Each kottam was sub divided into nadu. Each nadu was
further divided into (Urs) villages which form part of the last unit of the
administration. Uttaramerur inscriptions speak about the administration
of the Cholas.
Revenue:  The land revenue was the main source of income of the
Chola Government. Proper land survey was made. Lands were
classified as taxable land and non taxable land. There were many grades
in the taxable lands. Land revenue differed according to these grades.
Generally 1/6 of the land yield was collected as tax either in cash or in
kind or both according to the convenience of the farmers. Besides land
revenue, there were some other sources of income like  customs and
tolls. Taxes on mines, ports, forests and salt pans were collected.
10 11
UNIT – I
The Chola kings followed a highly efficient system of
administration. The entire Tanjore district, parts of Trichy, Pudukottai
and South Arcot districts formed the part of the Chola Mandalam. The
Cholas had three major administrative divisions called Central
Government, Provincial Government and Local Government. T anjore
was the capital of the Cholas. The efficient Chola administrative system
has been well appreciated by many historians and rulers.
Kingship:  The king was the head of the administration. The Chola
kings and Queens were considered as representatives of God. Their
idols were kept in temples. The Chola kingship was hereditary. The
Chola royal family followed the principle that eldest son should succeed
the king to the Chola throne.  The heir apparent was called Y uvaraja.
The Chola monarchs enjoyed enormous powers and privileges. The
Chola kings took up titles which marked their achievements. They lived
in very big royal palaces. Kings were assisted by ministers and officials
in their administration. Chola kings had tiger as their royal emblem.
Central Government:   The Central Government functioned under
the headship of the King. Council of ministers and officials took active
part in running the administration of Central Government. The higher
officials were called Peruntaram and the lower officials were called
Siruntaram.
Provincial administration:   The Chola empire was divided into nine
provinces. They were also called mandalams. The head of the province
was called viceroy . Close relatives of kings were appointed as viceroys.
The Viceroys were in constant touch with the Central Government.
Viceroys received orders from the king. They sent regular reply to the
king. The viceroys had a large number of officials to assist them in the
work of administration.
Administrative Divisions: The success of the Chola administration
depended more on the proper functioning of the administrative divisions.
Generally mandalams were named after the original names or the titles
of the Chola kings. Each mandalam was divided into number of Kottams
or V alanadus. Each kottam was sub divided into nadu. Each nadu was
further divided into (Urs) villages which form part of the last unit of the
administration. Uttaramerur inscriptions speak about the administration
of the Cholas.
Revenue:  The land revenue was the main source of income of the
Chola Government. Proper land survey was made. Lands were
classified as taxable land and non taxable land. There were many grades
in the taxable lands. Land revenue differed according to these grades.
Generally 1/6 of the land yield was collected as tax either in cash or in
kind or both according to the convenience of the farmers. Besides land
revenue, there were some other sources of income like  customs and
tolls. Taxes on mines, ports, forests and salt pans were collected.
12 13
Professional tax and house tax were also collected. Many other taxes
were levied. Tax burden was more on the society. Sometimes due to
failure of rain and famine people could not pay tax.
Military:  The Cholas had an efficient army and navy . The Chola army
consisted of elephantry , cavalry and infantry . Soldiers were given proper
training. Commanders enjoyed the ranks of nayaks and senapathis.
The army was divided into 70 regiments. The Chola army had 60,000
elephants. V ery costly Arabian horses were imported to strengthen the
cavalry. The Chola kings defeated the Cheras at Kandalur salai. The
kings of Ceylon and Maldives were also defeated. The Chola navy
was formidable one in South India. W ith the help of their navy the Cholas
controlled Coromandal and Malabar coasts. Bay of Bengal became
the Chola lake. The Chola army and navy together had 1,50,000 trained
soldiers. The armies of the tributary chieftains also joined Chola army
at needy times. Generally the Chola army was led by the King or
Y uvaraja.
Justice:  The Chola king was the chief justice. The Chola kings gave
enough care for the judicial administration. The village level judicial
administration was carried on by the village assembly . Minor disputes
were heard by the village assembly . Disputes were settled with proper
evidences. Punishments were awarded by the Judicial officers. The trial
of serious offences and major cases were conducted by the king himself.
Local administration:  The most important feature of the Chola
administration was the local administration at districts, towns and villages
level. Uttaramerur inscriptions speak much about the Chola
administration. V illage autonomy was the most unique feature of Chola
administrative system.
“I am more inspired and guided by the local administrative
systems of the Chola rulers and T amil literature”
Srimathi Indira Gandhi
Former Prime Minister of India
Nadu:  Nadu was one of the important administrative units of the Cholas.
Nadus had representative assemblies. The heads of the nadus were
called Nattars. The council of nadu was called nattavai. Representatives
of the Nattavais and nattars promoted agriculture. They also took care
of the protection of the people and tax collection.
Village administration: The entire responsibility of the village
administration was in the hands of the village assembly called Grama
Sabha. The lowest unit of the Chola administration was the village unit.
The village assemblies looked after the maintenance of peace, tanks,
roads, public ponds revenue collection, judiciary , education and temples.
The village assemblies were in charge of the payment of taxes due from
the villages to the treasury. They regulated public markets and helped
people at times of famine and flood. Assemblies provided provisions
for education. The village assemblies possessed absolute authority over
the affairs of villages. They maintained law and order in every village.
Brahmin settlement was called Chathurvedi mangalam.
Variyams:   Village Assemblies carried on village administration
effectively with the help of variyams. Male members of the society were
the members of these variyams. Composition of these variyams,
qualification and duration of membership differed from village to village.
There were many variyams in every village. Niyaya variyam administered
justice, Thottavariyam looked after flower gardens. The Dharma variyam
looked after charities and temples. Erivariyam was incharge of tanks
12 13
Professional tax and house tax were also collected. Many other taxes
were levied. Tax burden was more on the society. Sometimes due to
failure of rain and famine people could not pay tax.
Military:  The Cholas had an efficient army and navy . The Chola army
consisted of elephantry , cavalry and infantry . Soldiers were given proper
training. Commanders enjoyed the ranks of nayaks and senapathis.
The army was divided into 70 regiments. The Chola army had 60,000
elephants. V ery costly Arabian horses were imported to strengthen the
cavalry. The Chola kings defeated the Cheras at Kandalur salai. The
kings of Ceylon and Maldives were also defeated. The Chola navy
was formidable one in South India. W ith the help of their navy the Cholas
controlled Coromandal and Malabar coasts. Bay of Bengal became
the Chola lake. The Chola army and navy together had 1,50,000 trained
soldiers. The armies of the tributary chieftains also joined Chola army
at needy times. Generally the Chola army was led by the King or
Y uvaraja.
Justice:  The Chola king was the chief justice. The Chola kings gave
enough care for the judicial administration. The village level judicial
administration was carried on by the village assembly . Minor disputes
were heard by the village assembly . Disputes were settled with proper
evidences. Punishments were awarded by the Judicial officers. The trial
of serious offences and major cases were conducted by the king himself.
Local administration:  The most important feature of the Chola
administration was the local administration at districts, towns and villages
level. Uttaramerur inscriptions speak much about the Chola
administration. V illage autonomy was the most unique feature of Chola
administrative system.
“I am more inspired and guided by the local administrative
systems of the Chola rulers and T amil literature”
Srimathi Indira Gandhi
Former Prime Minister of India
Nadu:  Nadu was one of the important administrative units of the Cholas.
Nadus had representative assemblies. The heads of the nadus were
called Nattars. The council of nadu was called nattavai. Representatives
of the Nattavais and nattars promoted agriculture. They also took care
of the protection of the people and tax collection.
Village administration: The entire responsibility of the village
administration was in the hands of the village assembly called Grama
Sabha. The lowest unit of the Chola administration was the village unit.
The village assemblies looked after the maintenance of peace, tanks,
roads, public ponds revenue collection, judiciary , education and temples.
The village assemblies were in charge of the payment of taxes due from
the villages to the treasury. They regulated public markets and helped
people at times of famine and flood. Assemblies provided provisions
for education. The village assemblies possessed absolute authority over
the affairs of villages. They maintained law and order in every village.
Brahmin settlement was called Chathurvedi mangalam.
Variyams:   Village Assemblies carried on village administration
effectively with the help of variyams. Male members of the society were
the members of these variyams. Composition of these variyams,
qualification and duration of membership differed from village to village.
There were many variyams in every village. Niyaya variyam administered
justice, Thottavariyam looked after flower gardens. The Dharma variyam
looked after charities and temples. Erivariyam was incharge of tanks
Page 5


10 11
UNIT – I
The Chola kings followed a highly efficient system of
administration. The entire Tanjore district, parts of Trichy, Pudukottai
and South Arcot districts formed the part of the Chola Mandalam. The
Cholas had three major administrative divisions called Central
Government, Provincial Government and Local Government. T anjore
was the capital of the Cholas. The efficient Chola administrative system
has been well appreciated by many historians and rulers.
Kingship:  The king was the head of the administration. The Chola
kings and Queens were considered as representatives of God. Their
idols were kept in temples. The Chola kingship was hereditary. The
Chola royal family followed the principle that eldest son should succeed
the king to the Chola throne.  The heir apparent was called Y uvaraja.
The Chola monarchs enjoyed enormous powers and privileges. The
Chola kings took up titles which marked their achievements. They lived
in very big royal palaces. Kings were assisted by ministers and officials
in their administration. Chola kings had tiger as their royal emblem.
Central Government:   The Central Government functioned under
the headship of the King. Council of ministers and officials took active
part in running the administration of Central Government. The higher
officials were called Peruntaram and the lower officials were called
Siruntaram.
Provincial administration:   The Chola empire was divided into nine
provinces. They were also called mandalams. The head of the province
was called viceroy . Close relatives of kings were appointed as viceroys.
The Viceroys were in constant touch with the Central Government.
Viceroys received orders from the king. They sent regular reply to the
king. The viceroys had a large number of officials to assist them in the
work of administration.
Administrative Divisions: The success of the Chola administration
depended more on the proper functioning of the administrative divisions.
Generally mandalams were named after the original names or the titles
of the Chola kings. Each mandalam was divided into number of Kottams
or V alanadus. Each kottam was sub divided into nadu. Each nadu was
further divided into (Urs) villages which form part of the last unit of the
administration. Uttaramerur inscriptions speak about the administration
of the Cholas.
Revenue:  The land revenue was the main source of income of the
Chola Government. Proper land survey was made. Lands were
classified as taxable land and non taxable land. There were many grades
in the taxable lands. Land revenue differed according to these grades.
Generally 1/6 of the land yield was collected as tax either in cash or in
kind or both according to the convenience of the farmers. Besides land
revenue, there were some other sources of income like  customs and
tolls. Taxes on mines, ports, forests and salt pans were collected.
10 11
UNIT – I
The Chola kings followed a highly efficient system of
administration. The entire Tanjore district, parts of Trichy, Pudukottai
and South Arcot districts formed the part of the Chola Mandalam. The
Cholas had three major administrative divisions called Central
Government, Provincial Government and Local Government. T anjore
was the capital of the Cholas. The efficient Chola administrative system
has been well appreciated by many historians and rulers.
Kingship:  The king was the head of the administration. The Chola
kings and Queens were considered as representatives of God. Their
idols were kept in temples. The Chola kingship was hereditary. The
Chola royal family followed the principle that eldest son should succeed
the king to the Chola throne.  The heir apparent was called Y uvaraja.
The Chola monarchs enjoyed enormous powers and privileges. The
Chola kings took up titles which marked their achievements. They lived
in very big royal palaces. Kings were assisted by ministers and officials
in their administration. Chola kings had tiger as their royal emblem.
Central Government:   The Central Government functioned under
the headship of the King. Council of ministers and officials took active
part in running the administration of Central Government. The higher
officials were called Peruntaram and the lower officials were called
Siruntaram.
Provincial administration:   The Chola empire was divided into nine
provinces. They were also called mandalams. The head of the province
was called viceroy . Close relatives of kings were appointed as viceroys.
The Viceroys were in constant touch with the Central Government.
Viceroys received orders from the king. They sent regular reply to the
king. The viceroys had a large number of officials to assist them in the
work of administration.
Administrative Divisions: The success of the Chola administration
depended more on the proper functioning of the administrative divisions.
Generally mandalams were named after the original names or the titles
of the Chola kings. Each mandalam was divided into number of Kottams
or V alanadus. Each kottam was sub divided into nadu. Each nadu was
further divided into (Urs) villages which form part of the last unit of the
administration. Uttaramerur inscriptions speak about the administration
of the Cholas.
Revenue:  The land revenue was the main source of income of the
Chola Government. Proper land survey was made. Lands were
classified as taxable land and non taxable land. There were many grades
in the taxable lands. Land revenue differed according to these grades.
Generally 1/6 of the land yield was collected as tax either in cash or in
kind or both according to the convenience of the farmers. Besides land
revenue, there were some other sources of income like  customs and
tolls. Taxes on mines, ports, forests and salt pans were collected.
12 13
Professional tax and house tax were also collected. Many other taxes
were levied. Tax burden was more on the society. Sometimes due to
failure of rain and famine people could not pay tax.
Military:  The Cholas had an efficient army and navy . The Chola army
consisted of elephantry , cavalry and infantry . Soldiers were given proper
training. Commanders enjoyed the ranks of nayaks and senapathis.
The army was divided into 70 regiments. The Chola army had 60,000
elephants. V ery costly Arabian horses were imported to strengthen the
cavalry. The Chola kings defeated the Cheras at Kandalur salai. The
kings of Ceylon and Maldives were also defeated. The Chola navy
was formidable one in South India. W ith the help of their navy the Cholas
controlled Coromandal and Malabar coasts. Bay of Bengal became
the Chola lake. The Chola army and navy together had 1,50,000 trained
soldiers. The armies of the tributary chieftains also joined Chola army
at needy times. Generally the Chola army was led by the King or
Y uvaraja.
Justice:  The Chola king was the chief justice. The Chola kings gave
enough care for the judicial administration. The village level judicial
administration was carried on by the village assembly . Minor disputes
were heard by the village assembly . Disputes were settled with proper
evidences. Punishments were awarded by the Judicial officers. The trial
of serious offences and major cases were conducted by the king himself.
Local administration:  The most important feature of the Chola
administration was the local administration at districts, towns and villages
level. Uttaramerur inscriptions speak much about the Chola
administration. V illage autonomy was the most unique feature of Chola
administrative system.
“I am more inspired and guided by the local administrative
systems of the Chola rulers and T amil literature”
Srimathi Indira Gandhi
Former Prime Minister of India
Nadu:  Nadu was one of the important administrative units of the Cholas.
Nadus had representative assemblies. The heads of the nadus were
called Nattars. The council of nadu was called nattavai. Representatives
of the Nattavais and nattars promoted agriculture. They also took care
of the protection of the people and tax collection.
Village administration: The entire responsibility of the village
administration was in the hands of the village assembly called Grama
Sabha. The lowest unit of the Chola administration was the village unit.
The village assemblies looked after the maintenance of peace, tanks,
roads, public ponds revenue collection, judiciary , education and temples.
The village assemblies were in charge of the payment of taxes due from
the villages to the treasury. They regulated public markets and helped
people at times of famine and flood. Assemblies provided provisions
for education. The village assemblies possessed absolute authority over
the affairs of villages. They maintained law and order in every village.
Brahmin settlement was called Chathurvedi mangalam.
Variyams:   Village Assemblies carried on village administration
effectively with the help of variyams. Male members of the society were
the members of these variyams. Composition of these variyams,
qualification and duration of membership differed from village to village.
There were many variyams in every village. Niyaya variyam administered
justice, Thottavariyam looked after flower gardens. The Dharma variyam
looked after charities and temples. Erivariyam was incharge of tanks
12 13
Professional tax and house tax were also collected. Many other taxes
were levied. Tax burden was more on the society. Sometimes due to
failure of rain and famine people could not pay tax.
Military:  The Cholas had an efficient army and navy . The Chola army
consisted of elephantry , cavalry and infantry . Soldiers were given proper
training. Commanders enjoyed the ranks of nayaks and senapathis.
The army was divided into 70 regiments. The Chola army had 60,000
elephants. V ery costly Arabian horses were imported to strengthen the
cavalry. The Chola kings defeated the Cheras at Kandalur salai. The
kings of Ceylon and Maldives were also defeated. The Chola navy
was formidable one in South India. W ith the help of their navy the Cholas
controlled Coromandal and Malabar coasts. Bay of Bengal became
the Chola lake. The Chola army and navy together had 1,50,000 trained
soldiers. The armies of the tributary chieftains also joined Chola army
at needy times. Generally the Chola army was led by the King or
Y uvaraja.
Justice:  The Chola king was the chief justice. The Chola kings gave
enough care for the judicial administration. The village level judicial
administration was carried on by the village assembly . Minor disputes
were heard by the village assembly . Disputes were settled with proper
evidences. Punishments were awarded by the Judicial officers. The trial
of serious offences and major cases were conducted by the king himself.
Local administration:  The most important feature of the Chola
administration was the local administration at districts, towns and villages
level. Uttaramerur inscriptions speak much about the Chola
administration. V illage autonomy was the most unique feature of Chola
administrative system.
“I am more inspired and guided by the local administrative
systems of the Chola rulers and T amil literature”
Srimathi Indira Gandhi
Former Prime Minister of India
Nadu:  Nadu was one of the important administrative units of the Cholas.
Nadus had representative assemblies. The heads of the nadus were
called Nattars. The council of nadu was called nattavai. Representatives
of the Nattavais and nattars promoted agriculture. They also took care
of the protection of the people and tax collection.
Village administration: The entire responsibility of the village
administration was in the hands of the village assembly called Grama
Sabha. The lowest unit of the Chola administration was the village unit.
The village assemblies looked after the maintenance of peace, tanks,
roads, public ponds revenue collection, judiciary , education and temples.
The village assemblies were in charge of the payment of taxes due from
the villages to the treasury. They regulated public markets and helped
people at times of famine and flood. Assemblies provided provisions
for education. The village assemblies possessed absolute authority over
the affairs of villages. They maintained law and order in every village.
Brahmin settlement was called Chathurvedi mangalam.
Variyams:   Village Assemblies carried on village administration
effectively with the help of variyams. Male members of the society were
the members of these variyams. Composition of these variyams,
qualification and duration of membership differed from village to village.
There were many variyams in every village. Niyaya variyam administered
justice, Thottavariyam looked after flower gardens. The Dharma variyam
looked after charities and temples. Erivariyam was incharge of tanks
14 15
and water supply. The pon variyam was incharge of the finance. The
Gramakariya variyam looked after the works of all committees. The
members of these variyams were known as “V ariyaperumakkal”. They
rendered honourary service. The village officials were paid salary either
in cash or in kind. Good functioning of these variyams increased the
efficiency of the local administration of the Cholas.
Request your teacher to tell more about Chathurvedi
mangalam and V ariyaperumakkal
Kudavolai system:   Uttaramerur inscriptions talk about Kudavolai
system. This system was a very notable and unique feature of the village
administration of the Cholas. There were 30 wards in each village. A
representative for each ward was elected through Kudavolai system.
Names of the contestants from whom one could be chosen were written
on palmleaf tickets. These palmleaves were put into a pot and suffled.
A small boy picked up palm leaves one by one from the pot. Persons
whose name tickets were picked up by the boy were declared elected.
Like that 30 members for thirty wards were elected. This kind of peculiar
election system was called kudavolai system. Out of the thirty elected
members, twelve members were appointed to the Annual committee,
twelve members were appointed as the members of the Garden
committee and six members to the Tank committee. Members of th
standing committee and a Gold committee were also elected.
Qualification of the members were given. A person who could be chosen
through Kudavolai system must have age from 35 to 70. He should
possess one veli land and of a house built in  a taxable land on his own
site. He should have knowledge about vedas and mantras. Persons
who killed brahmins or  women or  cow or  children were disqualified.
Thieves, drunkards and people who had undergone punishments were
also disqualified from contesting election from kudavolai system.
Try to know more about kudavolai system
with the help of your teacher
Chola Empire
Names of the Places
given in Map as per the
Number
1. Ebrolu
2. Nandalur
3. Kanchi
4. T alakad
5. Gangai konda
cholapuuram
6. Semponmari
7. Kottai
8. V ilgnam
9. V enadu
The people of the Chola empire were more benefited by the
Chola administration. Historians like K.A.Neelakanda Sastri
appreciates the administrative efficiency of the Chola kings. The best
aspects of the Chola administration were followed by the rulers of the
later period.