Eternal India Encyclopedia

Eternal India encyclopedia

LURE - THRU THE AGES

commanders were variously called as Nayakas, Senapatis, Maha-dandanayakas. * The development of village autonomy (local self- government) was the most unique feature. * Had trade contacts with Burma, Ceylon, Malaya Archipelago. * Hinduism was the main religion, based on the caste system; religious toleration was practised. Strengths * Raja Raja Chola was one of the greatest sovereigns of South India; the Tanjore in- scription mentions his achievements. Achievements * Consolidation of political power in South India for a period of 3 centuries. * Tamil literature made a lot of progress. The Book

Raja Raja Chola was the most powerful king; a great conqueror, empire builder and able administrator; under him the Chola power became solidly established and within 50 years the Chola kingdom could be consolidated and extended. His conquests included the Chera and Pandya Kingdoms, Vengi, Kalinga and Ceylon. By means of a powerful fleet he annexed the Laccadive and Maldive Islands. He tried to curb Arab competition in the South East Asian trade by bringing Malabar under his control. His empire included the whole of South India upto the Tungabhadra, the Maldives and a part of Ceylon. Administration * Cholas had highly efficient system of administration; empire was divided into Provinces called Mandalams under a "Viceroy". * The King was the head of the administra- tion assisted by the ministerial council. * Land revenue was the main source of income, taxes were also collected; tolls and customs (other types of revenue). * They had as many as 70 army regiments;

CHOLA KINGDOM 900-1216 A.D.

" Periyapuranam" called as the 5th Veda, was written during this period. * Improved the Dravidian style of architec- ture (creation of huge gateway called "the Gopuram" to the temple). Weak and inefficient successors. * Failed to control the power of the feudato- ries. * Political stability could not be maintained due to frequent military campaigns; failed to control the Chalukyas and their feuda- tories. Decline * After the reign of Raj adiraj a III, due to do- mestic strife and attacks from all corners by the Pandyas, Hoysalas and the Kaka- tiyas, the Chola power began to decline. In 1243, the Pallava Chief Kopperunjimga, declared his independence; Hoysalas and Kakatiyas distributed the Chola territories among themselves and thereafter the Chola Empire ceased to exist. Weakness *