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• The Uttaramerur inscriptions are an invaluable collection of historical documents dating back to the 10th century CE.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.

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.