Chola Period

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What title did Rajaraja I adopt to commemorate his victory?

Rajendrachola

Tamil King

Mysore Raja

Gangaikonda (correct)

Which of the following was NOT part of Rajaraja I's accomplishments?

Defeating the Pandyas and Cheras

Building Gangaikonda-Cholapuram

Conquering the northern half of Sri Lanka

Establishing trade with Egypt (correct)

What was the primary role of the king in the Chola central administration?

To be the main authority and ensure order (correct)

To manage agricultural output

To oversee trade agreements

To lead military campaigns exclusively

The Chola empire was divided into which administrative unit?

Mandalams Signup and view all the answers

What type of taxation constituted the majority of the Chola revenue system?

Taxes on land and produce Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT one of the types of village assemblies during the Chola period?

Panchayat Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the council of ministers in the Chola administration?

To advise the king Signup and view all the answers

How did Rajaraja I impact Indian trade?

By promoting trade with Southeast Asia and Southern China Signup and view all the answers

What type of inscriptions are primarily associated with the Chola period?

Copper-plate grants and stone inscriptions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following inscriptions provides information on village administration during the Chola period?

Uttaramerur inscription Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary deity to whom the Brihadeshwara temple is dedicated?

Shiva Signup and view all the answers

What notable architectural feature of the Brihadeshwara temple rises to a height of 190 feet?

The vimana or tower Signup and view all the answers

Which achievement is associated with Rajendra Chola?

Invading and annexing Sri Lanka Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant aspect of the inscriptions from the Chola period?

They document tax policies and land revenue. Signup and view all the answers

What is the weight of the massive dome that crowns the Brihadeshwara temple?

80 tons Signup and view all the answers

Which king is credited with the construction of the Brihadeshwara temple?

Rajaraja I Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chola Period Inscriptions

Numerous inscriptions provide details about the Chola Period.
These inscriptions include copper-plate grants, stone inscriptions, and those on temple walls/pillars.
Copper-plate grants like Anbil and Karandi, and Kanyakumari stone inscriptions list Chola rulers.
Sanskrit and Tamil were used in some copper-plate inscriptions.
Inscriptions record Chola administration, village governance, taxation, temple endowments, and deity images.
They detail land revenue, resolutions, and legal judgements like theft and murder.
Inscriptions also document land transfers, sales, and mortgages.

Significance of Chola Inscriptions

Inscriptions provide insight into Chola administration, including details on the village.
These records include grants and endowments to temples and Brahmins.
Inscriptions detail temple construction and new deity installations.
They also detail taxation and land revenue collected by the Cholas.
Village assembly resolutions and legal judgements are also recorded on the inscriptions.
Property rights and sales/mortgages were recorded in inscriptions on temple walls.

Brihadeshwara Temple

Also known as the Rajarajeshwara Temple.
Located in Tanjavur, built by Rajaraja I.
Features a towering vimana (tower) that is 190 feet high.
A monolithic Shiva Lingam, 8.87 meters high, is a significant part of the shrine.
Weighing 80 tons, the dome sits atop the tower.
The temple includes a Nandi Pavilion, pillared portico, and assembly halls.

Rajendra Chola's Achievements

Conquered Sri Lanka, controlling it for 50 years.
Expanded his armies eastward to the Ganga River, defeating the king of Bengal.
Established a new capital city called Gangaikonda-Cholapuram for administrative purposes.
Defeated the Srivijaya kingdom.
Expanded Indian trade with Southeast Asia and Southern China.

Rajaraja I's Achievements

Attacked the Pandyas, Cheras, and parts of Mysore.
Defeated the ruler of Vengi.
Conquered the northern part of Sri Lanka.
Constructed the Rajarajeshwara Temple in Tanjavur.
Expanded trade and established Chola's supremacy in southern India.

Chola Administration

Central Government

The king had supreme authority.
The king often traveled to oversee administration.
Ministers advised the king in peace and war.
The central government managed defense, maintaining peace, and overseeing prosperity.

Provincial Government

The empire was divided into provinces (mandalams).
Provinces were further divided into smaller units (valanadu and nadu).
Princes of the royal family governed the provinces.

Revenue System

Chola revenue came from land taxes, produce taxes, and trade taxes.
Some revenue was for the king, while the rest funded public works (roads, tanks), official salaries, and the army.
Village councils collected land taxes.

Chola Temples and Art (General)

Chola temples were primarily built in the Dravidian style.
Temples were significant centers of social activity and education.
Local teachers who were priests taught at the temples.
Students learned in two languages (Sanskrit and Tamil) at temple schools housed in courtyards.
Chola artists excelled in sculpting images of gods and goddesses.
The bronze statue of Nataraja (Lord of Dance) is a hallmark of Chola artistry.
Important architectural elements like the gopuram (gateway), garbhagriha (shrine), mandapa (hall), and vimana (tower) were part of Chola temple design.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the fascinating world of Chola Period inscriptions, including their various forms such as copper-plate grants and stone inscriptions. This quiz delves into their significance, revealing insights into Chola administration, taxation, and temple endowments. Understand how these records document the socio-economic landscape of ancient Tamil Nadu.