Home > Indian History > History of India > Military Administration under Chola Dynasty
Military Administration under Chola Dynasty
Military administration under Cholas dynasty possessed a big army and an efficient navy to protect their vast empire.

Share this Article:

The Chola army was divided into three groups. They are the archers, forest soldiers, cavalry and elephants. Appropriate training was imparted to the soldiers. Commanders were titled the nayaks or senapathis. One of the earliest kingdoms to have a navy has been credited to the Cholas which posed as a threat to the neighbouring countries. Military administration under the Cholas was of a magnitude nature and was well organized as far as its functions are concerned.

Army Under the Cholas
The imperial Cholas who ruled parts of South India and Sri Lanka between the tenth and the thirteenth centuries depended on their army and the navy to expand and maintain regulations in their vast empire. The Chola army followed the old tradition of Chaturangabala for organisation and Sadangabala for Administration. There were other units in the Chola Army. Those are the admiralty and logistics and the provisions. These additions transformed the Chola Army which resulting in higher degree victories.

The army was divided into seventy contingents. According to inscriptions these regiments were assigned royal titles. Around 60,000 elephants were present in the army of the Cholas. They possessed a corporate organisation, participated in civic life, and made grants to temples. Attention was given to their training and discipline, and cantonments existed. Senai was divided into various thalams, which is a self-sustaining army formation with its own supply and resources.

The strength of the elephant whole army was about 150,000. It was composed chiefly of Kaikkolas and Sengundar. The bodyguard of the king known as Velaikkaras was sworn to defend the king at the cost of their lives. They were often ready to immolate themselves on his funeral pyre. The Chola Army regiments had its own commercial life and were free to donate and build temples in its own name. Management of certain minor shrines of the temple was conferred to some regiments and they provided the prerequisites for the temple. While some regiments took money from the temple on interest, which they paid in cash.

Commanders in the Chola army were Vellalas, Brahmins and others. Kshatriyasikhamani was a title given to men with a distinguished record. The Chola kings defeated the Cheras at Kandalur salai. The cruel character of their warfare was displayed in the invasions of Ceylon, Irattapadi and Pandyamandalam. The civilians were severely tortured without discrimination.

Navy Under the Cholas
During the reign of Rajaraja and his successor the navy reached at its peak. Shipboard and many types of ships were utilized in the navy. The Coromandel and Malabar coasts were under their control and the Bay of Bengal became a Chola lake. However a firm idea cannot be perceived regarding the navy warfare techniques. According to some historians merchant vessels were deployed in transporting the army and that Chola naval fights were land battles fought on the ship decks. The Chola navy was an alarming one in South India. They had conquered Srivijaya and islands of Ceylon also. The navy had curbed the piracy in South East Asia. Hinduism, Dravidian culture and architecture reached to Southeast Asia with the help of the Chola navy. The ambassadors to these kingdoms were the admirals of the Chola Empire. Karikalan had attacked the Ceylon Island. He also occupied the Lakshadweep . islands Rajaraja Chola was a king who has to his credit many maritime victories.

It can be established that the army and navy of the Chola Empire were systematized. Many conquests can be attributed to them. Both the limbs of the Chola military administration were threats to neighbouring countries. They did enjoy some amount of sovereignty while performing their functions and duties.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.