Write a brief note on Chola administration.

The administration of Chola dynasty was monarchical in character where the king was the controller of the administration and all executive legislative and military powers rested with him. The features are:

1) The Chola empire known as Rajyam or Rastrayam was divided into a number of provinces or Mandalam.

2) the Chola administration system was very well organized and efficient.

3) A council of ministers and other high officials advised the king for the administration of Chola Empire.

4) The princes of Chola dynasty were connected with the ruling king and were actively employed in war and peace.

5) The king was alone responsible for the efficient administration of the Chola Empire.

6) There was a body of executive officers in the immediate and stable attendance of the king.

7) Each department was represented by a group of officers.

8) a ministerial council consisted of organized administrative staff and the heads of the departments

9) Royal towns also contributed to the efficiency of the Chola administration and the officers were paid by land assignments..

10) The verbal orders were drafted by the Royal or Private Secretary known as Vidaiyadhikari.

11) The local governors inspected the orders before they were registered and sent to Departments of Archives for preservation.

12) The most important Mandalams were placed under the charges of the Viceroys who were generally the Princes of the royal blood or of noble families.

13) The provinces or Mandalams were subdivided into a number of divisions known as Kottams or Valanadus.

14) The next administrative subdivisions of Cholas were the districts (Nadus). Each Nadu consisted of a number of autonomous villages, unions or groups of villages, playing a very important part in the Chola administration system.

15) The assembly of the people of the whole Mandalam was in connection with the cutback of certain taxes on land under its authority.