[Solved] Chola Village Administration | Uttaramerur Inscription

A lot of details regarding the village administration under the Cholas is provided by the inscription at:

[UPSC CSE Prelims 1993]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

The Chola administration was unique for its highly organized local self-government system. Villages were managed by assemblies that had significant autonomy in local affairs.

Authentic Source Evidence

The Uttaramerur inscription (dating to Parantaka Chola I) provides a detailed manual on how the village 'Sabha' was elected, the qualifications for candidates, and the system of 'Kudavolai' (pot-tickets).

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: The inscription details the division of the village into 30 wards and the selection of committee members by lot.

Logic 2: It explicitly states disqualification criteria, such as failure to submit accounts or committing sins, ensuring a high ethical standard in local governance.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What was the 'Kudavolai' system mentioned in the Uttaramerur inscription?"

It was a primitive but effective democratic system where names of candidates were written on palm leaves and drawn from a pot by a small child.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The Uttaramerur inscription proves that grassroots democracy and accountability existed in India over a thousand years ago."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Sabha 2

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