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History • Medieval IndiaMedium

Consider the following statements regarding the administrative divisions and revenue collection terms during the medieval Chola Empire: 1. The empire was systematically divided into provinces called Valanadus, which were further subdivided into Nadus and villages called Urs. 2. The land tax was known as 'Kadamai' or 'Pattam', assessed meticulously after professional land surveys and grading soil fertility. 3. The village assemblies known as 'Sabha' or 'Mahasabha' functioned entirely under direct royal military officers without any local autonomy or elective committees.

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

💡 Solution & Explanation

Chola local administration is globally acclaimed for its institutionalized village democracy and meticulous fiscal management. Provinces were styled as Valanadus and further partitioned into Nadus and local settlements. Land revenue was termed Kadamai and was collected through local bodies after careful land measurement. However, statement three is incorrect because village assemblies like the Sabha enjoyed remarkable autonomy, operating through specialized executive committees chosen via a sophisticated lot system known as Kudavolai, rather than being mere extensions of royal military rule.

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