cholas

Chapter 7: Medieval India (A): The Cholas

Overview of Chola Inscriptions

  • Types of Inscriptions:

    • Copper-plate grants

    • Stone inscriptions found on walls and pillars of temples

  • Significant Inscriptions:

    • Anbil and Karandi Copper-plate grants

    • Kanyakumari stone inscription indicates the rulers of Chola dynasty.

    • A particular Copper-plate contains 31 sheets in Sanskrit and Tamil, recording a land grant to a temple by Rajendra Chola I.

  • Geographical Context:

    • The Krishna river region was inhabited by Dravidians, indicating a rich cultural heritage.

  • Chola Administration:

    • The Uttaramerur inscription provides insights into village administration, taxation, and land revenue.

Emergence of Chola Power

  • Historical Context:

    • By the end of the 9th century, Cholas united the Tamil country after defeating the Pallavas of Kanchi and Pandyas.

  • Naval Power:

    • The Cholas developed a powerful navy, enhancing control over sea trade routes in the Indian Ocean, including the conquest of Sri Lanka and Maldives.

Sources of Information About the Cholas

  1. Inscriptions:

    • Major source of historical data regarding the Chola period with formal records by each ruler, including achievements of Rajaraja I and his successors.

  2. Brihadeshwara Temple:

    • Built by Rajaraja I at Thanjavur; significant both architecturally and religiously.

    • Temple Features:

      • Massive vimana (tower) and spacious courtyards.

      • Garbhagriha (sanctum) houses images of deities, serving as a central religious site.

      • Mandapa (audience hall) for public gathering and activities.

    • Administration Records:

      • Temple inscriptions document various aspects like taxation, land revenue and societal norms.

    • Types of Jewels:

      • Inscriptions reveal details about 23 types of pearls, 11 varieties of diamonds, and other jewels cherished during the Chola period.

Noteworthy Rulers

  • Rajaraja I:

    • Established Thanjavur as the capital; known for military conquests and temple constructions.

  • Rajendra Chola I:

    • Succeeded Rajaraja I, continued policy of expansion, successfully invaded Sri Lanka and led campaigns towards the east coast of India, reaching up to the Ganga river.

    • Achievements:

      • Established the new capital Gangaikonda-Cholapuram. Adopted titles reflecting military victories.

  • Cultural Impact:

    • Influence of Chola rule extended into the cultural and educational domains: temples served as centers of education and community gathering.

Political and Social Structure

  • Administrative Organization:

    • Local Self-Government:

      • Village assemblies (ur and nagaram) managed local affairs, tax collection, and dispute resolution, emphasizing efficient local governance.

  • Revenue Systems:

    • Revenue derived from land taxes and trade taxes, funding infrastructure and public works.

  • Art and Architecture:

    • The Cholas were prominent in art and architecture, constructing magnificent temples with intricate stone and metal images, including the renowned bronze Nataraja statue representing cultural richness.

  • Cultural Exchange:

    • Trade with distant lands brought prosperity, showcasing the Cholas as an influential maritime empire with widespread trade connections, enriching both local and overseas communities.