Caste System:
- The caste system was prominent during the Chola period, with Brahmins and Kshatriyas enjoying special privileges.
- Inscriptions from the later Chola period mention two major divisions among castes: Valangai and Idangai castes.
- Despite caste divisions, there was cooperation among various castes and sub-castes in social and religious activities.
Status of Women:
- The position of women did not see significant improvement during this period.
- Practices such as ‘sati’ were prevalent among royal families, indicating the challenges faced by women.
- Devadasi System:
- The devadasi system, involving dancing girls attached to temples, emerged during the Chola period.
- This system had implications for both religious and social aspects of Chola society.
Religious Practices:
- Both Saivism and Vaishnavism continued to thrive during the Chola period, indicating religious diversity and practices in society.
- Temples served as centers of religious and cultural activities, contributing to the preservation and promotion of various faiths.
Hierarchy According to Landownership
- Brahmadeya-kilavars:
- Position: At the top of the hierarchy.
- Role: Brahmin landholders in brahmadeya settlements.
- Privileges: Enjoyed tax exemptions and often displaced local peasants.
- Landholders of Vellanvagai Villages:
- Position: Below the Brahmadeya-kilavars.
- Role: Held significant portions of land in vellanvagai villages.
- Ulukudi:
- Position: Tenants.
- Role: Cultivated the lands owned by Brahmins and vellanvagai village holders.
- Land Ownership: Could not own land.
- Distribution of Harvest
- Melvaram: Significant share of the harvest retained by the landholders.
- Kizh Varam: Lower share of the harvest retained by the Ulukudi (tenants).
- Social Hierarchy
- Labourers (Paniceymakkal): Stayed at the bottom of the social hierarchy.
- Slaves (Adimaigal): Also at the bottom, often alongside labourers.
