introduction to chola administration
Answers
The administration was headed by the king. The Chola kingship was hereditary in nature. As per the Chola royal family tradition, the eldest son succeeded the king to the Chola throne. The heir apparent was called Yuvaraja. The tiger was the royal emblem of Chola kings. The king was assisted in his work by a council of ministers. The lower officials were called Siruntaram while higher officials were called Peruntaram.
The whole empire had been divided into nine provinces called mandalams. Each province was headed by a viceroy who received orders from the king.
Each mandalam was divided into number of Kottams or Valanadus which was further sub-divided into nadu. Each nadu was further divided into villages called Urs.
Chola government depended mainly on the land revenue as the main source of income. 1/6 of the land produce was collected as tax. Besides land revenue, customs and tolls were the other source of income for the empire. Moreover, taxes on ports, forests and mines contributed to the treasure of the king.
The Chola Empire was divided into three major administrative units called Central Government, Provincial government and local government. Uttaramerur inscriptions throws light on the administration of the Cholas. The administration was headed by the king. The Chola kingship was hereditary in nature
please mark me rasmeet