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Chola Empire (c. 850–1279 CE): Overview
The Cholas were one of the most powerful and enduring dynasties in South Indian history, particularly prominent between the 9th and 13th centuries CE, with their core region in Tamil Nadu.
-- 1. Political Advancements
Central Administration:
The king was the supreme authority, considered divine, often taking titles like Rajaraja, Chakravartin, and Tribhuvanachakravarti.
Hereditary monarchy, but merit and military success were also important.
Local Self-Government (Village Autonomy):
Most famous innovation: Highly developed village assemblies (sabhas).
Uttaramerur inscription (near Kanchipuram) gives detailed procedures of:
Elections (kudavolai system: lottery-based selection of officials).
Eligibility criteria: age, education, land ownership, moral conduct.
Annual audits and punishments for misrule.
This was early democratic governance centuries before modern systems emerged.
Provincial Administration:
Empire divided into mandalams (provinces), nadus (districts), and kurrams (villages).
Local officials managed taxation, irrigation, temples, and law & order.
-- 2. Social Advancemnt
Caste and Society:
Brahmanas and Vellalas (land-owning castes) held powerful positions.
Non-Brahmana groups also participated in temple construction and military.
Women’s Role:
Women from royal and elite families were land donors, patrons of temples.
However, overall women’s public role was limited in administration.
Merchants and Guilds:
Powerful merchant guilds like Manigramam, Ayyavole operated across South Asia and even in Southeast Asia.
Trade guilds had autonomy and military protection for trade routes.
--- 3. Cultural Advancements
Temple Architecture:
Dravidian style at its zenith during Chola rule.
Use of granite, intricate sculptures, tall vimanas (temple towers).
Notable Temples:
Brihadeeswara Temple (Thanjavur, by Rajaraja I): UNESCO World Heritage.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram: Replica of Thanjavur temple by Rajendra I.
Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram.
Literature and Arts:
Flourishing of Tamil literature – devotional hymns (Thevaram, Thiruvachagam).
Royal inscriptions in both Tamil and Sanskrit.
Growth of bronze sculpture – Nataraja is a hallmark of Chola art.
Music and Dance:
Temples supported devadasis who performed Bharatanatyam.
Musical instruments like mridangam, veena were refined.
--- PM Modi's Speech on Uttaramerur Inscription (2024)
In early 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to the Uttaramerur inscription in a speech delivered during the inauguration of a new Parliament building, to emphasize India’s ancient democratic ethos.
Key Highlights:
1. Democracy is not new to India – it existed even 1,000 years ago in the form of village republics.
2. Uttaramerur inscription (c. 920 CE) – under Parantaka Chola – was highlighted as evidence of free and fair elections, rules for governance, and public accountability.
3. PM Modi said this shows India’s deep-rooted commitment to democratic values long before modern constitutions.
Symbolic Value: This was used to assert that democracy is an Indian invention, not a colonial gift.
---Examples & Evidence
Aspect Example
Political Uttaramerur Inscription – detailed election procedure
Cultural Brihadeeswara Temple, Chola Bronzes, Nataraja sculpture
Maritime Expansion Rajendra Chola I’s naval campaign to Southeast Asia (Srivijaya)
Literary Patronage Kamban’s Ramayanam, Saiva and Vaishnava Bhakti hymns
Trade & Economy Guilds like Manigramam, trade with China, Arabia, Southeast Asia
--- Conclusion
The Cholas were far ahead of their time in developing:
A strong centralised yet participatory political system
Sophisticated art, temple architecture, and sculpture
Maritime trade and expansion beyond India
A unique blend of royal power and local self-rule
PM Modi's reference to the Uttaramerur inscription renewed public interest in this remarkable legacy, reminding the nation that India’s democratic roots are ancient and homegrown
