MasteryExams
History • Ancient IndiaHard

Examine the administrative and revenue terminology used during the Pallava administration in Tamil Nadu: 1. The term 'Kottam' referred to a major territorial division or district within the Pallava administrative hierarchy. 2. The village assemblies responsible for local governance and judicial settlement at the grassroots level were known as 'Sabhas' or 'Mahasabhas' in brahminical settlement areas. 3. The royal secretariat responsible for drafting royal edicts and copper plate charters was managed by officers designated as 'Rahasyadhikrita'. Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3✓ Correct Answer

💡 Solution & Explanation

All three statements are factually accurate regarding Pallava administrative machinery. Kingdoms were divided into districts called Kottams, local village assemblies functioned autonomously through committees, and confidential royal scribes known as Rahasyadhikrita handled state documents. These institutional frameworks laid the administrative foundation perfected later by the Chola empire. Epigraphical records across Kanchipuram and surrounding districts provide extensive proof of this decentralized governance model.

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