In the administrative vocabulary of the medieval Chola empire, what was the primary administrative unit termed 'Valanadu'?

💡 Solution & Explanation

In Chola administration, the empire was systematically organized into provinces called Mandalam, which were further subdivided into Valanadus (administrative divisions), Nadus (districts), and Urs or Sabhas (villages). Village assemblies managed local affairs rather than functioning as military garrisons. Merchant guilds were designated as 'Anjuvannam' or 'Manigramam' rather than administrative land districts. This hierarchical structure ensured efficient tax collection and decentralized governance.