OVERVIEW
In this topic, we will see how the Cholas administration was in ancient India and how it was renowned for its effective administration system, including centralization and decentralization. In the period of Cholas, they established a sophisticated self-government system which was known as Ur, and Oor. through this, it empowered local communities to handle their affairs.
Now, let us see in brief how the Cholas administration and local self-government worked.
Cholas administration and local self government
- CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION
In the Cholas central administration system the king was at the top of the administrative hierarchy and held considerable power. The king was effectively known for their strong central authority and governance.
- PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATION
The administration in the Cholas administration was divided into various provinces and mandalams, in which the king appointed the provincial governor. These governors were responsible for all their laws and orders, collecting taxes, and overseeing local administration within their territories.
- DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION
In this category, the province was also subdivided into a district which was known as Nadu. these officials were held responsible for their daily administration of the respective district, which included taxation, maintenance of public affairs, and so on.
- LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT
The Cholas had also settled the system of local government system which was known as the Ur and Oor. Each village had its assembly in which there were respective members like landowners, merchants, etc. All these members were known as Urar, who played crucial roles in local governance, justice, taxation, and other things.
- VILLAGE ADMINISTRATION
There was a village head in the village known as Gramakarta and Gramabhojaka, who were appointed by the king. The headmen of the village were responsible for village administration. They work as an intermediary between the village assembly and higher-level administration. They also ensure the smooth functioning of village affairs and often implement decisions of Urars.
- REVENUE ADMINISTRATION
To finance the Cholas administration they heavily relied on the tax revenue collection. The revenue system was based on the land surveyed which was held periodically in which they survey the assess of fertility and productivity of the agricultural land.
CONCLUSION
At the end of this topic, we can conclude here that the administration of the Cholas administration was based on both centralized and decentralized governance which allowed effective governance in the entire empire. The system of local self-governance in the communities allows the provincials to handle their affairs, which makes the border between the administrative structure of the empire. The decentralization of power helps the Cholas administration to empower and contribute stability or prosperity in the empire.