The Chola Legacy: More Than Temples - Lessons in Governance for Modern India
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: History of India (Chola Dynasty - administration, art & architecture, key rulers like Rajaraja I and Rajendra I), Indian Polity (Local Self-Government, 73rd & 74th Amendments), Art and Culture (Dravidian temple architecture, UNESCO World Heritage Sites).
Mains:
GS Paper 1: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
GS Paper 2: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States; Devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
GS Paper 3: Disaster and disaster management (lessons in seismic resilience).
Key Highlights from the News
The article argues that the legacy of the Chola dynasty is not limited to their grand temples but also includes excellent governance models relevant to modern India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended an event at Gangaikonda Cholapuram to commemorate the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola I.
India has much to learn from the key features of Chola administration, such as excellent water management, tax collection, and grassroots democratic processes.
The Brihadeeswara temples, which have withstood earthquakes for over a thousand years, offer valuable lessons for today's building construction, especially in seismic resilience.
Even 30 years after the passing of the 73rd and 74th Amendments, many local self-governing bodies in India operate without elected representatives, whereas the village assemblies of the Chola period served as strong models.
The article concludes that installing statues of Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola should serve to remind us of their administrative acumen and inspire us to rectify shortcomings in present-day governance.
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