SOCIAL LIFE OF PEOPLE UNDER THE CHOLAS

The Chola rule witnessed a large scale development in all spheres of life. Writings of historians, inscriptions, temples, literature and monuments speak much about the social, economic and religious life of the people during the Chola period. Professor K.A.Neelakanda Sastri writes about socio economic and religious life of the people of the Chola period. Economic prosperity, the benevolent attitude and religious faiths of the Chola kings were the main factors which contributed more for these developments.
Social Condition
: The Chola society was peaceful one. There were different sections in society. At the same time, the society was based as Varnasrama”. According to the Varnasrama, society was divided into four major divisions namely Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras. The poor and unprivileged people lived in slums. Bonded laborers were also there. Professionals like carpenters, weavers, blacksmiths, masons, goldsmiths also lived there. Slavery also existed. There were several grades among the slaves. The details about the sale of slaves are recorded in the inscriptions. Greater social freedom prevailed among the upper classes.

Valangai and Idankai groups

Valankai and Idankai caste groups were also there. 98 castes formed part of Valangai (right hand) group and there were 98 castes in the Idangai (left hand) group. There were disputes among these groups. A story had been told about the origin of the division of these two groups. A small summary of the story is given here. When the sangam Chola King Karikala enquired these disputes, the group which stood on the right hand side of the King was called Valankai group. The group that Stood on the left hand side of the King was known as Idangai group. Valangai group had enjoyed more concessions from the Government and privileges in the society. They had the privilege of using palanquins. Umbrellas and chapels. Women of Valangai group rounded the upper cloth across the right shoulder. The Idangai group was considered socially inferior. They did not enjoy any rights. They paid heavy taxes. In spite of these social divisions there was social harmony.

Education

Chola Kings gave importance for the development of education. There were \/eda padasalas, Buddha viharas and Jain pallis. During the reign of Rajendra I, two colleges were there at Rajarajachaturvedi Mangalam and Tribhuvanam. The mutt of Thiruvavaduturai had run a school of medicine. Thirumukkudal temple was utilized for running a college and hospital. Apart from the medical and religious education, general education was also imparted. Scholarships were given to students.
Status of Women: Women were given high status and freedom in the Chola society. Chastity and modesty were considered important. The women of upper classes enjoyed the right to property. Some queens were associated with the admimstration of the kingdom. Queens gave liberal donations to temples. Queen Sembian Mahadevi and Kundavai were patrons of temples. Monogamy was prevalent in society. Less skilled jobs were given to female laborers.

During the Chola period Sati was commonly practiced among the women of royal family. Women were also appointed as officers in the Chola Government. There were child marriages among the higher castes. Women who were talented in music and dance were attached to the temples. They performed programs during festival times. There were also women slaves. Writings of Morcopolo and some inscriptions speak about the position of women during the Chola period.


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