UTTARMERUR INSCRIPTION
1. Context
Recently Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to the Uttaramerur inscription in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu while discussing India’s democratic history.
2. About Uttarmerur Inscription
- The Uttaramerur inscriptions are an invaluable collection of historical documents dating back to the 10th century CE.
- Discovered in Uttaramerur village, Tamil Nadu, India, these inscriptions offer unique insights into the political and administrative system of medieval South India, particularly during the Chola dynasty.
Image Source: Quora
3. Discovery and Location
- The Uttaramerur inscriptions were found in the Uttaramerur Kailasanatha Temple, located in the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu.
- These inscriptions are engraved on copper plates, inscribed in the Tamil language and script, preserving crucial information about the village assembly system.
4. The Sabha System
- One of the primary focuses of the inscriptions is the "Sabha" or "Mahasabha," the local self-governing body that played a pivotal role in administering the village's affairs.
- The inscriptions detail the functioning and organization of the Sabha, providing a comprehensive understanding of its democratic practices.
- The inscription describes a number of important committees within the sabha with
their own distinct functions. - These include, the garden committee, the tank committee, the annual committee (an executive committee that required prior experience and knowledge to be a part of), the committee for supervision of justice (for supervising appointments and wrong doing), the gold committee (in charge of all the gold in the village temple) and the five-fold committee (its role is unclear in the inscription).
- These committee assignments would last for 360 days after which the members
would have to retire. - Anyone in the committee who was implicated in any wrongdoing, such as forgery or having ridden a donkey (i.e. being punished for a crime), was removed instantly.
- Also, the inscription emphasizes upon the keeping of accounts – any discrepancy can also disqualify members of the sabha.
5. Qualifications and Elections
- The inscriptions outline the eligibility criteria for candidates aspiring to hold positions within the Sabha.
- These qualifications included age, experience, and moral conduct. Understanding these criteria offers valuable insights into the values and principles that guided the selection process.
6. Roles and Responsibilities
- The inscriptions shed light on the various officers within the village administration, such as the "Grama Kilar" (village accountant), "Perungudi" (chief), and "Talaiyari" (village watchman).
- Each official had distinct duties and responsibilities, contributing to the smooth functioning of the village's governance.
7. Emphasis on Fairness and Accountability
- The inscriptions highlight the emphasis placed on honesty, fairness, and accountability in the governance of the village.
- They detail the penalties for dishonesty or negligence in performing official duties, revealing the significance given to ethical conduct among elected officials.
8. Insight into Chola Dynasty Governance
- As the inscriptions provide detailed information about the administrative system, they offer scholars and historians a deeper understanding of the socio-political structure during the Chola dynasty.
- They act as a valuable resource for studying the decentralized governance systems of medieval South India.
9. Continuing Significance
- The Uttaramerur inscriptions continue to be studied by researchers and enthusiasts alike, contributing to our knowledge of India's rich historical heritage and the evolution of democratic practices in the region.
- Their discovery stands as a testament to the advanced administrative and governance systems that flourished in ancient India.
10. Preservation and Research
- Efforts have been made to preserve and protect the Uttaramerur inscriptions to ensure their longevity.
- Ongoing research and study of these inscriptions provide valuable information about early Indian society and governance, offering a fascinating window into the past.
11. About Chola Dynasty
- The Chola Dynasty was one of the most significant and influential dynasties in the history of South India.
- It emerged as a major power during the medieval period and had a lasting impact on the region's culture, economy, and political landscape.
- The Cholas ruled parts of present-day Tamil Nadu, Kerela, and Andhra Pradesh, with their empire reaching its zenith between the 9th and 13th centuries CE.
- The origins of the Chola Dynasty can be traced back to the early centuries of the Common Era, but it was during the 9th century that they rose to prominence.
- The first significant ruler of the dynasty was Vijayalaya Chola, who established the Chola kingdom with his capital at Thanjavur.
For Prelims: Uttermerur inscription, "Sabha" or "Mahasabha, Chola dynasty, Kailasanatha Temple, "Grama Kilar" (village accountant), "Perungudi" (chief), and "Talaiyari" (village watchman).
For Mains: 1. Discuss the significance of the Uttaramerur inscriptions in understanding the political and administrative system of medieval South India. (250 Words)
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Source: The Indian Express