ECONOMIC CONDITION UNDER THE CHOLAS
The Chola rule
witnessed the prosperity of trade and commerce. Income through agriculture
yield, land tax, trade tax and other taxes were main revenue of
the Government. King was the owner of all public land. Special officers
were appointed to look into the income and expenditure of the state.
Government money was spent on public works, defense, justice, education,
temples, irrigation, police, king and his households, secretariat
etc., The Chola kings issued gold, silver and copper coins. Merchant
guilds were functioning to take care for the welfare of the merchants
and commerce. The Chola economy mainly depended on agriculture and
trade. Agriculture was the main occupation of the people. The ownership
of the land had a high social value. The landlords were members
of the village administrative units. Generally the economic condition
of the people during the Chola period was good. |
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Trade and Commerce
The Chola rulers contributed more for the development of cottage industries. Metal in and utensils were made in gold, silver, bronze, copper, brass etc., The art of jewelry was famous. Gold and pearl were used in making jewels and ornaments. Kanchipuram was an important centre of textile industry. The weavers of Kanchipuram were recognized by the king and they had the privilege of making royal robes to the king Uthama Chola. Salt pans of Marakanam, Kanyakumari were commercially famous.
Foreign Trade
According to information’s given
by writer’s like Ibin Batuta and Morcobolo, the Cholas had trade
relationship with China and other South East Asian countries. Elephants,
cardamom, cotton, textile were exported. Arabian horses were imported.
Mahabalipuram, Kavirippumpattinam, and Korkai were Chola ports which were
useful for foreign trade. The liberal taxation policies of King Kulothunga
I encouraged both internal and foreign trade. Internal and foreign trade
led to the economic, cultural and religious developments in Chola territory.
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