Rajput States of India — HISTORY STD 11 Arts — Question
Gujarat BoardEnglish MediumSTD 11 ArtsHISTORYRajput States of India5 Marks
Question
Explain the administration of the Chola kings.
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Answer
The Chola rule is a shining example of India's medieval history in terms of administration.
According to Dr. V.A Smith, a strong and well-organized central administration is a unique achievement of the Chola dynasty.
Central Administration: The king had supreme and central authority in the Chola administration.
Yuvraj was helping the king in administration.
Instead of a cabinet, the government officials were under the control of the king for administrative purposes.
They were given land prizes instead of cash wages.
The king's verbal commands and personal secretary would write them down and carry them out properly.
Regional Administration: The Chola state was divided into several divisions for ease of administration.
The divisions of the Mandal were known as Kottam or Valanadu $($province$)$, Nadu $($district$)$, Kurm $($taluka$)$ and village respectively.
Princes were often appointed as the head of the congregation.
The Chola regime was characterized by its autonomous institutions.
Each congregation had a “meeting place” of people.
In addition, the people of "Nadu" had a meeting called "Nattar".
In the town there was a meeting of merchants called "Nagartar".
The masses were important institutions such as the "series" and the "pug".
All these organizations were consulted in the administration.
Village Administration: There were institutions called "Ur" and "Sabha" for village administration.
"Ur" was a common village organization.
While "Sabha" was an organization of Agrahar villages $($villages donated to Brahmins$)$.
These bodies administered the village independently, under the supervision of state officials.
Various committees were formed for village functions.
Expenditure on civilian and military systems, town planning, temples, roads, irrigation and public works was recovered from land revenue and commercialization.
The Chola kings did their duty by digging canals from the Kaveri river and providing irrigation facilities to the farmers.
The position of the trading industry for the production and sale of various commodities was of a prosperous standard.
The textile and metal industries were prevalent.
Established trade relations with China, Malaya, Iran and the islands of the East.
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