The Chola administration, particularly during the reigns of Rajaraja I and Rajendra I, is celebrated for its highly organized system of local self-government at the village level. Inscriptions, notably the Uthiramerur inscription, provide detailed information about the functioning of village assemblies (ur and sabha), their committees, and the election process for members. This system allowed significant autonomy to villages in managing their affairs. While other dynasties had administrative structures, the Cholas' system of village autonomy is particularly well-documented and considered a hallmark of their rule.
Which medieval Indian empire was famous for elaborated local self-government?
Asked in BPSC Prelims Exam 66th · Topic: Provincial Dynasty of North India and Deccan Province (Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra)
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Answer: B. Chola
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More Medieval History of India questions
- Which one of the following statements about the Elephanta Island is correct?
- Consider the following statements with reference to the Nataraj bronze sculpture of Chola period : 1. Shiva is shown balancing himself on his right leg representing tirobhava. 2. Shiva is shown raising his left leg in bhujangatrasita stance, representing kicking away the illusion from the devotee's mind. 3. The main right hand holds the damaru, Shiva's favourite musical instrument. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
- Shiva's right leg is placed upon the demon Apasmara (representing ignorance/illusion). The action of suppressing Apasmara with the right foot symbolizes Shiva's act of Tirobhava (concealment or illusion), hiding the ultimate reality from the deluded soul. Balancing on this leg while performing the cosmic dance links the stance to this aspect. Thus, statement 1 is correct. 2. Shiva's left leg is raised in the dance. This raised foot symbolizes Anugraha (grace) and Moksha (salvation), the release from the cycle of birth and death achieved through Shiva's grace. While liberation involves overcoming illusion, describing it as "kicking away the illusion" might not be the standard or most accurate interpretation of the raised leg's primary symbolism. The stance is indeed bhujangatrasita. Thus, statement 2 is likely incorrect in its interpretation. 3. The Nataraja sculpture features four arms. The upper right hand holds the Damaru (drum), symbolizing creation. The lower right hand is in the Abhaya Mudra (gesture of fearlessness), symbolizing preservation. The statement says the "main right hand" (implying the lower one) holds the damaru, which is incorrect. 194. Consider the following statements about science in medieval South India : 1. The Katapayadi system of numerals, which was invented by Vararuchi of Kerala, the author of Chandra Vakyas, was used for calculating the position of Moon on any day of the year. 2. Achyuta Pisharati (1550 – 1621) wrote Uparagakriyakrama, a text on eclipses. 3. Ravi Varma of Mahodayapuram set up an observatory and is also said to have inaugurated the Kollam era. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- Consider the following statements about the Ancient Hindu metal images in India : 1. The Chola period is well known for the aesthetic and technical finesse of its metal sculpture. 2. The iconography and style of Chola metal images were similar to those of their stone counterparts. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
- The famous bronze image of Nataraja is a fine example of which art ?
- Which of the following temple are an example for Vesara style of architecture ?
- Which of the following pair is not correct ?
- Which of the following statements regarding Rajendra Chola-I are correct? 1. He extended his sway up to the Ganga in the north and assumed ‘Gangaikonda Cholan’ title. 2. He conquered areas which are now known as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Maldives. 3. He built the famous ‘Brihadishvara temple’ dedicated to Lord Shiva. 4. He founded a new city called ‘Gangaikonda Cholapuram.’