ISS Previous Year Paper 2025 GS Solution Question 1(c)

ISS Previous Year Paper 2025 GS Solution Question 1(c)

(c) Assess the administrative and the cultural achievements of the Chola Empire.

Answer:

The Cholas established one of the most powerful and efficiently administered kingdoms of medieval South India.

The king was the supreme authority, assisted by ministers and officials. The empire was divided into administrative units such as mandalams, valanadus, nadus and villages. A major achievement was the development of local self-government. Village assemblies such as the Ur, Sabha and Nagaram managed taxation, irrigation, justice and public works. The Uttaramerur inscriptions provide valuable information about the selection and functioning of local committees.

The Cholas also maintained a powerful army and navy. Their naval strength enabled expansion into Sri Lanka and parts of Southeast Asia and promoted maritime trade.

Culturally, the Chola period witnessed remarkable achievements in architecture, sculpture, literature and religion. Magnificent temples such as the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur represented the height of Dravidian architecture. Chola bronze sculptures, particularly images of Nataraja, became famous for their artistic excellence.

Tamil literature and Bhakti traditions also flourished.

Thus, effective administration, local institutions, naval power and outstanding artistic achievements made the Chola period highly significant.