Question

What was the main feature of Chola administration?
(A) Military organisation
(B) Town administration
(C) Rural administration
(D) Art and architecture

Answer 1

Hint: The Chola Dynasty was founded in around the 3rd century BCE. The Capital of the Chola Empire was in the city of Tiruvarur. Under Chola administration, King was known as the head of the administration.

Complete answer:
It is believed that the Chola administration was one of the most efficient systems of administration. Majorly as Chola Mandalam, Tanjore, some parts of Trichy, Pudukkottai and South Arcot formed the major part, Tanjore being the capital.
The Central government, Provincial government and local government were the popular divisions of administration under Chola mandalam.
The central government was headed by the king who had a council of ministers to run the affairs. Peruntaram was a name given to the officials bearing higher rank and Siruntaram for the ones having the lower rank.
Coming to the provincial division, the whole empire was divided into 9 provinces which were known as the Mandalams headed by Viceroys. In general, viceroys were the close relatives and knowns of the king himself who were entrusted with the smooth running of provinces. They did not enjoy an autocratic right, but were bound by the orders of the kings and provided regular updates of the daily works to him.
Coming to administrative divisions, which were the very base of the empire and the most crucial part based on practicality. Mandalam was divided into Kottams or Valanadus. Each of these kottam was further sub-allocated into Nadu. Furthermore, Nadu was divided into villages which were the base of administration.

Thus, the correct answer is option (C) i.e., Rural administration.

Note: Vijayalaya is known as the first ruler who ruled and laid the foundation of the Chola Empire. The management by the Chola Dynasty included the proper land revenue system, army and navy. This strong management plays a very important role in strengthening the empire which ruled for about 1500 years.