Synonyms
More meanings
Tip: select a single word for meaning & synonyms.
Select multiple words normally to copy text.
Medieval India (A) The Cholas: ICSE Class 9 Total History solutions
Get notes, summary, questions and answers, MCQs, extras, and PDFs of Chapter 7 “Medieval India (A) The Cholas” which is part of ICSE Class 9 History (Total History). However, the notes should only be treated as references and changes should be made according to the needs of the students.
If you notice any errors in the notes, please mention them in the comments
Summary
The chapter on the Cholas provides a detailed account of the Chola dynasty, which was one of the most powerful kingdoms in South India during medieval times. The Cholas, originating in the southern part of the Indian peninsula, established their dominance by defeating other regional powers such as the Pallavas and the Pandyas. They developed a powerful navy, which allowed them to control trade routes in the Indian Ocean and expand their influence to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
The Chola period is well-documented through inscriptions, especially those found on copper plates and temple walls. These inscriptions offer valuable insights into their administration, village life, and social structures. They record details about land grants, temple donations, and even judgments on crimes, reflecting the organized and efficient governance of the Cholas. The inscriptions also provide a chronological record of the Chola rulers and their achievements.
One of the most significant contributions of the Cholas is in the field of architecture, with the Brihadeshwara Temple at Thanjavur being a prime example. Built by Rajaraja I, this temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, featuring a towering vimana and elaborate sculptures. The temple also served as a social and educational center, indicating the integral role of temples in Chola society.
Rajaraja I and his son Rajendra Chola were two prominent rulers who expanded the empire through military conquests. Rajendra Chola’s campaigns extended the empire’s reach to the Ganges in the north and across the seas to Southeast Asia. The Chola administration was marked by a system of local self-government, where village assemblies played a crucial role in managing local affairs.
The Cholas were not just conquerors but also patrons of art, culture, and religion. They promoted Tamil and Sanskrit languages, built grand temples, and supported various art forms, including the famous bronze sculptures of Nataraja. The Chola dynasty left a lasting impact on the cultural and political landscape of South India, and their contributions continue to be celebrated in Indian history.
Textbook (Total History) solutions
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. Inscriptions of the Cholas are in which forms?
A. Stone inscriptions
B. Copper-plate grants
C. Inscriptions on temple pillars
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
2. What are the chief features of Chola temples?
A. Audience halls
B. Large vimanas and courtyards
C. Images of deities
D. All of the above
Answer: B. Large vimanas and courtyards
3. The main shrine in the Brihadeshwara Temple was called:
A. Gopuram
B. Garbhagriha
C. Lingam
D. Mandapa
Answer: B. Garbhagriha
4. What information do the inscriptions provide about the Cholas?
A. Chola administration
B. Public registrations
C. Taxation
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
5. Which of the following represents the timeline for the reign of famous Chola rulers?
A. Parantaka I – Vijayalaya – Rajaraja I
B. Rajaraja I – Parantaka I – Rajendra Chola
C. Vijayalaya – Parantaka I – Rajaraja I
D. Rajaraja II – Parantaka I – Vijayalaya
Answer: C. Vijayalaya – Parantaka I – Rajaraja I
6. Which of the following territories did NOT form a part of the Chola kingdom?
A. Malaysia
B. Mysore
C. Sri Lanka
D. Odisha
Answer: A. Malaysia
7. Rajendra Chola adopted the title Gangaikonda to commemorate which victory?
A. Odisha
B. Bengal
C. Sri Lanka
D. Mysore
Answer: B. Bengal
8. The Chola empire was divided into:
A. Mandalams, ur and sabha
B. Mandalams, Valanadu and nadu
C. Sabha, nagarams
D. Sabha, ur and nagarams
Answer: B. Mandalams, Valanadu and nadu
9. Under whose rule did the Cholas become the supreme power in Southern India?
A. Parantaka I
B. Parantaka II
C. Rajaraja I
D. Rajendra Chola
Answer: C. Rajaraja I
10. Which of the following pairs is incorrect?
A. urs – all classes
B. sabha – Brahmins
C. nagaram – merchants
D. urs – landless
Answer: D. urs – landless
11. What of the following did not contribute to the revenue?
A. Overseas trade
B. Copper-plate grants
C. trade-tax
D. taxes on produce
Answer: B. Copper-plate grants
Select the correct relationship
1. (A) The southern part of the Indian peninsula was home to three powerful kingdoms, namely, the Cheras, the Pandyas and the Cholas.
(B) These kingdoms were located north of the Krishna river.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (a) (B) contradicts (A)
Explanation: The statement (A) correctly mentions that the southern part of the Indian peninsula was home to the Cheras, the Pandyas, and the Cholas. However, statement (B) incorrectly places these kingdoms north of the Krishna river, which contradicts the fact presented in (A). The Cheras, Pandyas, and Cholas were indeed located south of the Krishna river, in the southernmost part of India.
2. (A) The Brihadeshwara temple is the first example of having a portrait of a ruler, i.e., Rajaraja Chola.
(B) It has been declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Explanation: Statement (A) refers to the Brihadeshwara temple being the first to have a royal portrait, specifically of Rajaraja Chola. Statement (B) mentions that the temple has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. While both statements are true, they are independent of each other, meaning that one does not cause or contradict the other.
3. (A) Chola ruler Rajaraja I took out a naval expedition and attacked both Sri Lanka and Maldives.
(B) Rajaraja I established Chola rule during the middle of the ninth century.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Explanation: Statement (A) correctly describes Rajaraja I’s naval expeditions against Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Statement (B), however, inaccurately dates Rajaraja I’s reign to the mid-ninth century when it actually began in the late 10th century. While both statements are related to Rajaraja I, they do not directly influence each other, making them independent.
4. (A) Under Rajendra Chola’s command, the Chola army defeated Mahipala, the king of Bengal.
(B) To commemorate his victory, Rajendra Chola adopted the title Gangaikonda and built his new capital, called Gangaikonda-Cholapuram.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (A) is the reason for (B)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (b) (A) is the reason for (B)
Explanation: Statement (A) explains that Rajendra Chola defeated Mahipala, the king of Bengal. Statement (B) follows logically as it provides the reason behind Rajendra Chola adopting the title “Gangaikonda” and building a new capital, Gangaikonda-Cholapuram, to commemorate his victory over Bengal. Hence, (A) is the reason for (B).
5. (A) On the complaint of Indian merchants, Rajendra Chola sent out a huge army and defeated Shrivijaya, the ruler of present-day Indonesia.
(B) Shrivijaya was creating problems for Indian merchants who had been trading with various parts of South-East Asia and Southern China.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (b) (B) is the reason for (A)
Explanation: Statement (B) describes the problems created by Shrivijaya for Indian merchants, which led to Rajendra Chola sending out a military expedition. Statement (A) describes this expedition and the defeat of Shrivijaya. Thus, the problems mentioned in (B) are the reason for the actions taken in (A).
6. (A) The Cholas established local self-government in villages.
(B) The ‘ur’ was the local assembly, with all the villagers as members.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (b) (B) is the reason for (A)
Explanation: Statement (A) mentions the establishment of local self-government by the Cholas. Statement (B) explains the structure of ‘ur,’ a local assembly where villagers participated, which exemplifies how the Cholas implemented local self-government. Thus, (B) provides the reasoning behind (A).
7. (A) The temples were centres of education in the Chola kingdom.
(B) The students learnt their lessons in two languages, i.e., Hindi and Sanskrit.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (a) (B) contradicts (A)
Explanation: Statement (A) correctly identifies that temples were centres of education in the Chola kingdom. However, statement (B) inaccurately claims that the students learned Hindi and Sanskrit. The correct languages were Tamil and Sanskrit. Therefore, (B) contradicts (A).
Short Answer Questions
1. State two significant features of inscriptions for providing information about the Cholas.
Answer: Inscriptions provided detailed information on Chola administration and recorded gifts and endowments to temples and Brahmanas.
2. Who established the rule of the Cholas? Name the capital of his empire.
Answer: Vijayalaya established the rule of the Cholas. The capital of his empire was Thanjavur.
3. Why did Rajaraja undertake a naval expedition against Ceylon and Maldives?
Answer: Rajaraja undertook a naval expedition against Ceylon and Maldives to show his strength along the coasts of South India and to control the sea, which was crucial for the Chola power.
4. Name any two great rulers of the Chola dynasty.
Answer: Rajaraja I and Rajendra Chola.
5. Give any two achievements of Rajendra Chola.
Answer: Rajendra Chola invaded and annexed the whole island of Sri Lanka. He also defeated Mahipala, the king of Bengal, and took the title of Gangaikonda.
6. Name the new capital built by Rajendra Chola. In which present-day state is it situated?
Answer: The new capital built by Rajendra Chola was Gangaikonda-Cholapuram. It is situated in the present-day state of Tamil Nadu.
7. Why did the Cholas build a strong naval fleet?
Answer: The Cholas built a strong naval fleet to control the sea and protect their overseas trade and conquests.
8. What made the Chola administration strong and effective?
Answer: The Chola administration was strong and effective because of its highly organized and efficient system, which included central and provincial government along with local self-government.
9. Name the two languages promoted by the Cholas.
Answer: The two languages promoted by the Cholas were Sanskrit and Tamil.
10. Name any two features of temples built by the Cholas.
Answer: Large vimanas (towers) and spacious courtyards.
11. Which is the best example of Chola temples? Give one reason.
Answer: The Brihadeshwara Temple is the best example of Chola temples. It is one of the finest specimens of Dravidian style of architecture.
12. What is known as the ‘gopuram’? Name another feature of temples built during the Chola period.
Answer: The ‘gopuram’ is the gateway of a temple. Another feature of temples built during the Chola period is the ‘garbhagriha’, the main shrine where the images of gods and goddesses were kept.
Structured Questions
1. With reference to the sources of information about the Cholas, briefly answer the following:
(a) List the forms of Chola inscriptions.
Answer: The forms of Chola inscriptions are Copper-plate grants, stone inscriptions, and inscriptions made on the walls and pillars of temples.
(b) What was the special feature of the inscriptions? Who conceptualised the idea? Name one temple built by him.
Answer: The special feature of the inscriptions was that they were prefixed with the main achievements of the ruler’s reign. Rajaraja I conceptualised this idea. He built the Brihadeshwara Temple.
(c) Mention the significance of Brihadeshwara Temple.
Answer: The Brihadeshwara Temple is significant for being the finest monument of South Indian history and the most beautiful specimen of Tamil architecture. It is also one of the few temples to have Ashta-dikpaalakas (Guardians of the eight directions) idols and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
2. With reference to the Chola period explain the following:
(a) Taxes imposed by the Cholas.
Answer: The Cholas imposed taxes on land, the produce of the land, and trade. A part of the revenue was kept for the king, and the rest was used for public works, paying the salaries of officials, the upkeep of the army, and building temples.
(b) Administration of the Kingdom.
Answer: The administration of the Chola Kingdom was highly organised and efficient. The king was the most important person and had all authority vested in him, assisted by a Council of Ministers. The Central Government took care of external defence, internal peace and order, general prosperity, and cultural progress of the empire. The empire was divided into mandalams or provinces, which were further divided into valanadu and nadu. Princes of the royal family were appointed as governors of provinces.
(c) The three types of village assemblies.
Answer: The three types of village assemblies in the Chola period were the ur, the sabha, and the nagaram. The ur was the common type of assembly where the land was held by all classes of people. The sabha was an exclusively Brahmin assembly where all the land belonged to Brahmins. The nagaram was an assembly of merchants and belonged to localities where traders and merchants were in a dominant position.
3. With reference to the Chola Administration, write short notes on:
(a) The King, the chief administrator.
Answer: The King was the pivot of the Chola administration and held all authority in his hands. He was the most important person in the administration and was assisted by a Council of Ministers. The King often went on tours to keep a check on the administration and to ensure that everything was running smoothly.
(b) Local Self-Government.
Answer: The Cholas were known for their belief in local self-government. In many villages, administration was carried out not by government officials but by the villagers themselves. Village assemblies, such as the ur, sabha, and nagaram, were responsible for managing local affairs, such as tax collection, dispute settlement, and allocation of water.
(c) Temples as the centre of social activity.
Answer: Temples in the Chola Kingdom were not only places of worship but also served as centres of social activity. They were places where people gathered, and some temples owned huge lands and participated in inland and overseas trade. Temples were also significant employers, providing livelihood to many people. Additionally, temples were centres for education, where priests acted as local teachers, and schools were housed in temple courtyards.
4. Study the picture and answer the following questions:
(a) Name the temple given in the picture. Who built this temple? Where is it located?
Answer: The temple given in the picture is the Brihadeshwara Temple. It was built by Rajaraja I and is located in Thanjavur.
(b) To which deity is the temple dedicated? Mention two special features of this temple.
Answer: The Brihadeshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Two special features of this temple are its massive vimana or tower, which rises to a height of 66 metres, and its inscriptions that provide meticulous details about the Chola administration, social life, and material culture.
(c) What were the following features of temples known as?
Answer: (i) Gateway: Gopuram
(ii) Shrine: Garbhagriha
(iii) Audience Hall: Mandapa
(iv) Towers: Vimana
Thinking Skills
1. What do you think would have been the reason for the Chola rulers to issue a large number of inscriptions, especially on copper-plates?
Answer: The reason for the Chola rulers to issue a large number of inscriptions, especially on copper-plates, was to record and formalize the transactions made by each Chola ruler, document gifts and endowments to temples and brahmanas, and preserve records of grants of villages, plots of land, or other privileges to individuals or institutions. These inscriptions served as an official record and provided legitimacy to their rule, administration, and religious contributions.
2. The temple in the Chola Kingdom was the centre of social activity, besides being a place of worship. How did the temples gain this position of eminence?
Answer: The temples in the Chola Kingdom gained this position of eminence by not only being a place of worship but also serving as a centre for education, social gatherings, and cultural activities. The temples were often the largest employers after the state, providing work and means of livelihood to a large number of people. They also took care of the welfare of their workers by providing food, clothing, housing facilities, proper education, and establishing hospitals. The priests of the temple acted as local teachers, and the temples housed schools where students learned in Sanskrit and Tamil. Additionally, temples participated in inland and overseas trade, and the lands donated to temples, known as devadana, helped them to maintain their prominent position in society.
3. Recently a movie, a magnum opus based on a fictional account of a Chola kingdom, was released. How authentic do you think it was with respect to the life of rulers and the ruled?
Answer: Ponniyin Selvan: I is a cinematic adaptation of Kalki Krishnamurthy’s historical novel, which blends real historical events with a significant amount of fiction. The film has been praised for its attention to detail, particularly in capturing the grandeur of the Chola dynasty and the political dynamics of the era. However, while the movie visually depicts the rise of Rajaraja Chola and the complex relationships within the royal family, it is important to understand that many of the characters and events are fictionalized for dramatic effect.
Historically, the Chola dynasty was one of the most powerful empires in South India, with a significant influence that extended across South Asia and beyond. The kingdom’s naval strength allowed them to annex territories like Sri Lanka and establish trade links with Southeast Asia. The film accurately portrays some aspects of this, such as the importance of the Chola navy and the political intrigue surrounding the succession to the throne.
However, as noted by historians, many of the characters in Ponniyin Selvan: I, such as Nandini and Azhwarkadiyan, are creations of Kalki’s imagination and do not have a basis in historical records. Even the portrayal of well-known figures like Aditha Karikalan and Vandiyathevan is heavily fictionalized, with much of their personal relationships and actions being products of the novel’s narrative rather than historical fact.
Moreover, while the film has been lauded for its production values, there are noted inaccuracies in the depiction of architecture, costumes, and language. For instance, certain design elements like Mughal-inspired jewellery and post-dated structures, as well as the use of Tamil, which does not accurately reflect the language of the period, have been pointed out as flaws by experts.
Extra/additional MCQs
1. Which river is located to the north of the Dravidian-inhabited region in the Indian peninsula?
A. Ganges
B. Godavari
C. Krishna
D. Kaveri
Answer: C. Krishna
Q. Which of the following Chola rulers was the most powerful during the Chola Empire’s rise in the ninth century?
A. Vijayalaya
B. Parantaka I
C. Rajaraja I
D. Rajendra Chola
Answer: C. Rajaraja I
Q. What did the Cholas develop to control sea trade in the Indian Ocean?
A. Army
B. Navy
C. Air Force
D. Merchant Fleet
Answer: B. Navy
Q. Which island did the Cholas conquer during their expansion?
A. Maldives
B. Andaman
C. Nicobar
D. Mauritius
Answer: A. Maldives
Q. The primary sources of information about the Chola period are mainly composed of which type of records?
A. Literary works
B. Stone inscriptions
C. Royal decrees
D. Historical manuscripts
Answer: B. Stone inscriptions
Q. What is the name of the famous temple built by Rajaraja I at Thanjavur?
A. Meenakshi Temple
B. Brihadeshwara Temple
C. Ranganathaswamy Temple
D. Shore Temple
Answer: B. Brihadeshwara Temple
Q. What was the main purpose of the mandapa in Chola temples?
A. Shrine
B. Courtyard
C. Audience hall
D. Storage area
Answer: C. Audience hall
Q. Which material was primarily used in the construction of the Brihadeshwara Temple?
A. Sandstone
B. Marble
C. Granite
D. Limestone
Answer: C. Granite
Q. The Chola capital established by Rajendra Chola was known as?
A. Madurai
B. Thanjavur
C. Gangaikonda-Cholapuram
D. Kanchipuram
Answer: C. Gangaikonda-Cholapuram
Q. Which title did Rajendra Chola adopt after his campaign along the Ganges?
A. Chola Samrat
B. Gangai Konda
C. Cholamandal
D. Vengi Konda
Answer: B. Gangai Konda
Q. Which foreign kingdom did Rajendra Chola defeat to maintain trade with South-East Asia?
A. Palas
B. Shrivijaya
C. Rashtrakutas
D. Hoysala
Answer: B. Shrivijaya
Q. What type of jewels are mentioned in the inscriptions of the Brihadeshwara Temple?
A. Emeralds
B. Pearls
C. Opals
D. Topaz
Answer: B. Pearls
Q. What is the height of the Vimana tower at the Brihadeshwara Temple?
A. 50 metres
B. 60 metres
C. 66 metres
D. 75 metres
Answer: C. 66 metres
Q. The Chola kingdom was enriched by trade with which region in particular?
A. Europe
B. South-East Asia
C. East Africa
D. Central Asia
Answer: B. South-East Asia
Q. What type of structure is the Nandi Pavilion at the Brihadeshwara Temple?
A. A garden
B. A pillar
C. A temple
D. A portico
Answer: D. A portico
Q. What was the central focus of the Chola administration?
A. The king
B. The council of ministers
C. The temple authorities
D. The village assemblies
Answer: A. The king
Q. What were the divisions of the Chola empire called?
A. Valanadu
B. Nadu
C. Mandalams
D. Provinces
Answer: C. Mandalams
Q. What was the role of the ur in Chola villages?
A. Assembly of Brahmins
B. Assembly of merchants
C. Common village assembly
D. Royal family assembly
Answer: C. Common village assembly
Q. What were the lands donated to temples under the Chola administration called?
A. Devadaya
B. Mandalam
C. Valanadu
D. Nagaram
Answer: A. Devadaya
Q. What was a major source of revenue for the Chola kingdom?
A. Taxes on temples
B. Donations from merchants
C. Taxes on land and trade
D. Tributes from conquered territories
Answer: C. Taxes on land and trade
Q. What language was used for religious teaching in Chola schools?
A. Tamil
B. Sanskrit
C. Pali
D. Telugu
Answer: B. Sanskrit
Q. What style were most of the Chola temples built in?
A. Nagara
B. Vesara
C. Dravidian
D. Maru-Gurjara
Answer: C. Dravidian
Q. Which famous temple consecrated by Rajaraja I contains nearly a hundred inscriptions?
A. Meenakshi Temple
B. Brihadeshwara Temple
C. Ranganathaswamy Temple
D. Kailasanathar Temple
Answer: B. Brihadeshwara Temple
Q. Who were the biggest employers after the State in the Chola kingdom?
A. Merchants
B. Temples
C. Village assemblies
D. The king’s council
Answer: B. Temples
Q. Which metal image is described as the “cultural epitome” of the Chola period?
A. Vishnu as Ananta
B. Durga as Mahishasuramardini
C. Shiva as Nataraja
D. Brahma as the Creator
Answer: C. Shiva as Nataraja
Q. What were the smaller divisions of the Chola mandalams called?
A. Nadu
B. Valanadu
C. Kottam
D. Pattinam
Answer: B. Valanadu
Q. Who were typically appointed as governors of the Chola provinces?
A. Merchants
B. Brahmins
C. Princes of the royal family
D. Military generals
Answer: C. Princes of the royal family
Q. What were the three types of village assemblies in Chola administration?
A. Sabha, ur, nagaram
B. Nadu, mandalam, valanadu
C. Panchayat, kottam, sabha
D. Ganas, parishads, samitis
Answer: A. Sabha, ur, nagaram
Q. Which assembly in the Chola kingdom was exclusively for Brahmins?
A. Ur
B. Nagaram
C. Sabha
D. Mandalam
Answer: C. Sabha
Q. What was the nagaram assembly associated with?
A. Brahmins
B. Farmers
C. Merchants
D. Artisans
Answer: C. Merchants
Q. Who owned the land in villages where the ur assembly was prevalent?
A. Brahmins
B. All classes of people
C. Merchants
D. The king
Answer: B. All classes of people
Q. What activities were discussed and managed in the Chola village councils?
A. Military campaigns
B. Village festivals
C. Collection of taxes and settlement of disputes
D. Construction of temples
Answer: C. Collection of taxes and settlement of disputes
Q. What was a primary role of temples in the Chola kingdom besides religious activities?
A. Military training
B. Agricultural production
C. Social and economic welfare
D. Foreign diplomacy
Answer: C. Social and economic welfare
Q. What were the students in Chola schools primarily taught?
A. Science and mathematics
B. Sanskrit and Tamil
C. Astronomy and astrology
D. Law and administration
Answer: B. Sanskrit and Tamil
Q. What was the primary use of the revenue collected from land taxes in the Chola kingdom?
A. Funding military expeditions
B. Building temples and public works
C. Personal expenses of the king
D. Supporting local merchants
Answer: B. Building temples and public works
Q. What was the function of the Chola Council of Ministers?
A. Collect taxes
B. Advise the king
C. Manage foreign relations
D. Oversee local assemblies
Answer: B. Advise the king
Q. How were Chola officials compensated for their services?
A. Fixed salaries
B. Land grants
C. Share of collected taxes
D. Gold payments
Answer: B. Land grants
Q. What type of temple architecture did the Cholas excel in?
A. Nagara
B. Vesara
C. Dravidian
D. Khajuraho
Answer: C. Dravidian
Q. Which Chola ruler is credited with consecrating the Brihadeshwara Temple?
A. Rajendra Chola
B. Kulothunga Chola
C. Rajaraja Chola I
D. Aditya Chola
Answer: C. Rajaraja Chola I
40. In which languages were religious texts studied by students in Chola temples?
A. Tamil and Sanskrit
B. Telugu and Pali
C. Kannada and Malayalam
D. Prakrit and Tamil
Answer: A. Tamil and Sanskrit
Extra/additional questions and answers
1. Which region was home to the Cheras, Pandyas, and Cholas?
Answer: The southern part of the Indian peninsula.
Q. What river was the southern part of the Indian peninsula situated south of?
Answer: The Krishna River.
Q. Which kingdom among the Cheras, Pandyas, and Cholas was the most powerful?
Answer: The Cholas.
Q. When did the Chola Empire arise?
Answer: In the ninth century.
Q. What enabled the Cholas to develop India’s sea-trade in the Indian Ocean?
Answer: A powerful navy.
Q. Which two places did the Cholas conquer with their navy?
Answer: Sri Lanka and the Maldive Islands.
Q. What did the Cholas defeat to bring the Tamil country under their control?
Answer: The Pallavas of Kanchi.
Q. What is the main source of information about the Chola period?
Answer: Inscriptions.
Q. What type of grants were recorded on Copper-plate inscriptions?
Answer: Grants made to temples or individuals by the Cholas.
Q. Which temple is the best example of Chola architecture?
Answer: The Brihadeshwara temple.
Q. Who built the Brihadeshwara temple?
Answer: Rajaraja I.
Q. What is the height of the vimana or tower of the Brihadeshwara temple?
Answer: 66 meters.
Q. What material was used to build the main structure of the Brihadeshwara temple?
Answer: Granite.
Q. Who established Chola rule in Tamil land?
Answer: Vijayalaya.
Q. Which Chola ruler adopted the title of Gangaikonda?
Answer: Rajendra Chola.
Q. Who was the pivot of the Chola administration?
Answer: The king.
Q. What were the Chola provinces called?
Answer: Mandalams.
Q. What was the sabha assembly composed of?
Answer: Brahmins.
Q. Which assembly in Chola villages was for merchants?
Answer: Nagaram.
Q. What were the lands donated to temples called?
Answer: Devadaya or devadana.
Q. Where were the Chola schools often housed?
Answer: In the temple courtyard.
Q. Which languages were taught in Chola schools?
Answer: Sanskrit and Tamil.
Q. What was the primary source of revenue for the Chola kingdom?
Answer: Taxes on land and trade.
Q. Who consecrated the Brihadeshwara Temple?
Answer: Rajaraja I.
Q. What style were most Chola temples built in?
Answer: Dravidian style.
Q. What was the bronze image of Lord Shiva as Nataraja known for?
Answer: It is an excellent work of art.
Q. What kind of temples became more grand during the later Chola period?
Answer: Chola temples.
Q. What did the Chola Central government look after?
Answer: External defence, internal peace and order, promotion of prosperity, and cultural progress.
Q. What did the Chola village councils manage?
Answer: Collection of taxes, settlement of disputes, and allocation of water.
Q. What was the main language spoken in the Chola kingdom?
Answer: Tamil.
Q. What information do the inscriptions from the Chola period provide?
Answer: The inscriptions from the Chola period provide information about the Chola administration, including village administration, taxation, land revenue, gifts and endowments to temples and Brahmins, construction of temples, royal orders on taxation and land revenue, resolutions of village assemblies, judgments against crimes, and public registrations such as sales and transfers of property rights in village lands.
Q. What are the chief features of Chola temples?
Answer: The chief features of Chola temples include massive vimanas or towers, spacious courtyards, and structures like the Nandi Pavilion, pillared porticos, and large assembly halls. The temples were built in the Dravidian style of architecture, and they often featured intricate sculptures and decorative moldings. The Brihadeshwara temple, built by Rajaraja I, is one of the finest examples of this architectural style.
Q. What were the contributions of Rajaraja I to the Chola Empire?
Answer: Rajaraja I was a brilliant general who expanded the Chola Empire by attacking the Pandyas, Cheras, and parts of Mysore. He annexed territories in the Deccan and overran Vengi. Rajaraja I also led naval expeditions, conquering the northern half of Sri Lanka and the Maldive Islands. He built the Rajarajeshwara temple at Thanjavur and inscribed his main works on its walls, establishing the Cholas as the supreme power in Southern India.
Q. What was Rajendra Chola’s most daring campaign?
Answer: Rajendra Chola’s most daring campaign was in Southeast Asia, where he sent a huge navy to defeat the kingdom of Shrivijaya (modern-day Indonesia) after Indian merchants appealed to him for help. This victory ensured the continuation of Indian trade with Southeast Asia and southern China, greatly enriching the Chola kingdom. Rajendra Chola also led campaigns up to the Ganga river, defeating Mahipala, king of Bengal, and commemorating his victory by building a new capital called Gangaikonda-Cholapuram.
Q. What is the significance of the Brihadeshwara temple?
Answer: The Brihadeshwara temple, built by Rajaraja I at Thanjavur, is a significant example of Dravidian architecture and one of the finest monuments of South Indian history. It features a massive vimana, a monolithic Shiva Lingam, and intricate sculptures. The temple is also known for its inscriptions, which provide valuable information about the Chola period, including royal portraits, depictions of dancers, and records of different kinds of jewels used during that time. The temple has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Q. How was the Chola system of administration organized?
Answer: The Chola system of administration was highly organized and efficient. The king was the central figure in the administration, with all authority vested in him. Although he had a Council of Ministers to advise him, the king often toured the empire to keep a check on the administration. Officers were paid through assignments of revenue-bearing lands, and the Central government managed external defence, internal peace, order, general prosperity, and cultural progress.
Q. How was the Chola empire divided at the provincial level?
Answer: The Chola empire was divided into mandalams or provinces, which were further subdivided into valanadu and nadu. Princes of the royal family were appointed as governors of these provinces, ensuring the administration at the provincial level was closely tied to the central authority of the king.
Q. What were the different types of village assemblies in the Chola administration?
Answer: The Chola administration had three types of village assemblies: the ur, which was the common assembly of villages where land was held by all classes; the sabha, an exclusively Brahmin assembly where all land belonged to Brahmins; and the nagaram, an assembly of merchants in localities where traders and merchants were dominant.
Q. What role did the temples play in the Chola kingdom?
Answer: Temples in the Chola kingdom were not only centers of worship but also centers of social activity, education, and economic enterprise. They owned large tracts of land, participated in trade, provided employment, and took care of the welfare of their workers by offering food, clothing, housing, education, and healthcare. They were also the main centers for education, where students learned Sanskrit and Tamil.
Q. What was the significance of the Brihadeshwara Temple during the Chola period?
Answer: The Brihadeshwara Temple, consecrated in 1010 CE by Rajaraja I, is significant for its nearly a hundred inscriptions that provide detailed records of the Chola administration, social life, and material culture. It exemplifies the scale of accomplishments in Chola art and architecture and highlights the Chola empire’s maritime outreach and ambitions beyond the Indian subcontinent.
Q. What were the main features of the Chola administration?
Answer: The Chola administration was highly organized and centralized, with the king at the center of all authority. The Chola Empire was divided into mandalams (provinces), which were further subdivided into valanadu and nadu. The Cholas also believed in local self-government, with village assemblies like the ur, sabha, and nagaram managing local affairs. Inscriptions from the Chola period provide detailed information about their administration, including village governance, taxation, and land revenue. The Cholas maintained a powerful navy, which enabled them to control sea trade and conduct successful military campaigns, expanding their empire to include Sri Lanka and the Maldive Islands.
Q. Describe the architectural features of the Brihadeshwara temple built by Rajaraja I.
Answer: The Brihadeshwara temple, built by Rajaraja I at Thanjavur, is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. The temple’s most prominent feature is its massive vimana, or tower, which rises to a height of 66 meters and is crowned by a single block of stone weighing about 80 tons. The main structure of the temple is built of 130,000 tons of granite, and the entire building is covered with intricate sculptures and decorative moldings. Inside the temple, there is a gigantic Shiva Lingam, cut from a monolithic rock, standing 8.87 meters high. The temple complex also includes structures like a Nandi Pavilion, a pillared portico, and a large assembly hall. The Brihadeshwara temple is a testament to the architectural and artistic achievements of the Chola period and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Q. What were the main achievements of Rajendra Chola during his reign?
Answer: Rajendra Chola, the son and successor of Rajaraja I, continued his father’s policies and expanded the Chola Empire even further. His reign is marked by several significant achievements:
- He successfully invaded and annexed the entire island of Sri Lanka, which remained under Chola control for fifty years.
- Rajendra Chola led daring military campaigns along the east coast of India, reaching up to the Ganga river and defeating Mahipala, the king of Bengal. To commemorate this victory, he adopted the title of Gangaikonda and built a new capital called Gangaikonda-Cholapuram.
- His most ambitious campaign was in Southeast Asia, where he sent a massive naval expedition to defeat the kingdom of Shrivijaya, ensuring the continuation of Indian trade with Southeast Asia and southern China. This victory greatly enriched the Chola kingdom.
- Rajendra Chola also focused on building infrastructure, including magnificent palaces and temples at his new capital, contributing to the cultural and architectural heritage of the Chola period.
Q. How did Rajendra Chola contribute to the expansion of the Chola Empire?
Answer: Rajendra Chola played a crucial role in expanding the Chola Empire through his military conquests and strategic campaigns. He continued his father Rajaraja I’s policy of territorial expansion, successfully annexing the entire island of Sri Lanka and maintaining control over it for fifty years. Rajendra Chola’s armies also advanced along the eastern coast of India, reaching the Ganga river, where they defeated Mahipala, the king of Bengal. This victory was significant, as it extended Chola influence deep into northern India. To commemorate this achievement, Rajendra Chola adopted the title of Gangaikonda and established a new capital at Gangaikonda-Cholapuram.
In addition to his conquests in India, Rajendra Chola’s most ambitious campaign was in Southeast Asia. He responded to appeals from Indian merchants who were facing difficulties with the kingdom of Shrivijaya, which controlled the vital Straits of Malacca. Rajendra Chola sent a powerful naval expedition that defeated the Shrivijaya king, securing continued trade with Southeast Asia and southern China. This campaign not only demonstrated the military prowess of the Chola navy but also solidified the empire’s control over important maritime trade routes, leading to increased prosperity for the Chola kingdom.
Rajendra Chola’s reign marked the height of Chola power, with the empire reaching its greatest territorial extent and enjoying a period of cultural and economic flourishing. His contributions to the expansion and consolidation of the Chola Empire left a lasting legacy in South Indian history.
Q. Describe the structure and functions of the Chola Central government.
Answer: The Chola Central government was structured with the king at its core, as all authority was vested in him. The king was the pivotal figure in the administration, and although he had a Council of Ministers to advise him, the final decisions rested with him. The king often undertook tours to personally oversee the administration of the empire. The Central government was responsible for several key functions, including:
- External defence of the empire
- Maintenance of internal peace and order
- Promotion of general prosperity
- Advancement of cultural progress
The officers within the government were compensated with assignments of revenue-bearing lands, and princes from the royal family were involved in both governance and military activities.
Q. How did the Chola empire implement local self-government in villages?
Answer: The Cholas were known for their emphasis on local self-government, which was a unique feature of their administration. In many villages, the administration was managed by the villagers themselves rather than by government officials. There were three main types of village assemblies: the ur, which included all classes of landholders; the sabha, which was exclusively for Brahmins; and the nagaram, which was for merchants and traders. These assemblies were responsible for managing village affairs, such as collecting taxes, settling disputes, and allocating water resources. The village councils were a source of popular strength, uniting the people and giving them a say in the management of their local affairs.
Q. What were the main sources of revenue in the Chola kingdom, and how were these revenues utilized?
Answer: The main sources of revenue in the Chola kingdom were taxes on land and the produce of the land, as well as taxes on trade. The revenue collected was divided into two parts: one portion was kept for the king, and the rest was used for various public works. These public works included the construction of roads and tanks, paying salaries to officials, maintaining the army, and building temples. The taxes on land were typically collected by officials from the village councils, demonstrating the integration of local governance with the central administrative system.
Q. Discuss the role of temples in the Chola kingdom and their impact on society and economy.
Answer: Temples played a multifaceted role in the Chola kingdom, serving as the nucleus of social, economic, and cultural life. Their significance extended far beyond being places of worship. Economically, temples were major landowners, with large tracts of land donated to them, known as devadaya or devadana. These lands were either directly managed by the temples or the land-revenue of certain villages was assigned to them, where villagers paid their taxes in produce and gold to the temple treasury. This made temples one of the largest employers after the State, providing livelihoods to many people in the form of jobs related to agriculture, trade, and various services. Temples also participated in inland and overseas trade, contributing to the economic prosperity of the region.
Socially, temples were centers of education and learning. They housed schools where students were taught in Sanskrit and Tamil. The religious teaching was primarily in Sanskrit due to the study of texts like the Vedas, while Tamil was taught as it was the widely spoken language in the kingdom. The temples also looked after the welfare of their workers by providing food, clothing, housing, and healthcare. This social welfare role reinforced the temple’s position as a central institution in Chola society.
Culturally, temples were at the forefront of art and architecture. The Chola rulers, who were great patrons of art, built grand temples in the Dravidian style. These temples were not just religious sites but also showcases of artistic excellence, particularly in stone and bronze sculpture. The bronze image of Lord Shiva as Nataraja, the Lord of Dance, is a prime example of the artistic achievements of the Chola period and is often considered the cultural epitome of that era.
48. How did the Chola administration balance central authority with local governance?
Answer: The Chola administration was a well-organized system that effectively balanced strong central authority with a decentralized approach to local governance. At the center of the administration was the king, who was the ultimate authority, with all significant decisions resting in his hands. The king was supported by a Council of Ministers who provided advice, though the king often personally oversaw the administration by touring different parts of the empire. The central government managed key areas such as external defense, internal peace and order, and the promotion of prosperity and cultural progress.
Despite the strong central authority, the Cholas implemented a system of local self-government, particularly at the village level. Villages were administered not by government officials but by the villagers themselves through assemblies known as ur, sabha, and nagaram. These assemblies were responsible for managing local affairs, including tax collection, dispute resolution, and resource allocation. The ur was the common village assembly, the sabha was an exclusive Brahmin assembly, and the nagaram was an assembly of merchants. The village councils were chosen by votes among landowners and played a crucial role in uniting the community and ensuring that local issues were addressed.
This balance between central authority and local governance allowed the Cholas to maintain control over a vast empire while ensuring that local needs and issues were effectively managed. The integration of local self-governance with the central administrative structure helped in fostering a sense of community among the people and contributed to the stability and prosperity of the Chola empire.
The Chola administration’s success in balancing central and local governance is reflected in their ability to maintain a large and diverse empire for several centuries, marked by economic prosperity, cultural achievements, and social stability. This system allowed the Cholas to effectively manage their resources, maintain order, and promote development across the empire, making them one of the most successful and enduring dynasties in South Indian history.
