U.P.P.C.S. Pre 1995

Local Self-Governance in Medieval India

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which of the following was special feature of Chola administration:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept The Chola administrative model was highly decentralized at the grassroots level, providing a level of democratic local governance that was far ahead of its time.

Explanation The Uttaramerur Inscriptions provide a detailed blueprint of how Chola villages functioned independently through the Ur (general assembly) and the Sabha (Brahmin assembly).

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option B is the most unique and significant feature. Villages had their own committees to manage water, justice, and temples.
Logic 2: While the empire was divided into 'Mandalams', this was a common administrative practice; the degree of village self-rule, however, was unparalleled.

Active Recall

Question

How were Chola village committees formed?

Answer

They were formed by a lottery system where names were written on palm leaves and drawn from a pot.

Core Insight

Chola village autonomy represents the earliest and most sophisticated form of decentralized rural governance in Indian history.