With reference to the administrative structure and village self-governance under the Chola Dynasty, consider the following statements:
1. The 'Ur' functioned as a general assembly of tax-paying landholders in ordinary villages, whereas the 'Sabha' or 'Mahasabha' was an exclusive assembly of Brahmin landholders in Brahmadeya villages.
2. The famous Uttaramerur inscriptions issued during the reign of Chola King Parantaka I laid down explicit moral, property, and educational criteria for committee membership.
3. Executive committee members (Variyars) were chosen through a direct secret ballot election supervised by central royal ministers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 onlyCevap
- B2 and 3 only
- C1 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Cevap
Statements 1 and 2 are correct, whereas statement 3 is incorrect. Thus, the correct selection is the option stating '1 and 2 only'.
The Imperial Chola administration is highly celebrated for its sophisticated village autonomy. The 'Ur' served as the general assembly of tax-paying peasants, while the 'Sabha' governed Brahmin villages (Brahmadeya). The famous Uttaramerur inscriptions of King Parantaka I explicitly outlined strict moral, educational, and economic qualifications for candidates while barring disqualified individuals (such as those who failed to submit accounts). However, final selection into executive committees (Variyams) was achieved through 'Kudavolai'—drawing palm-leaf lots—rather than direct secret balloting.
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Anahtar Kavram
Chola Village Administration, Assemblies (Ur and Sabha), and the Kudavolai System of Uttaramerur Inscriptions