What were the main administrative functions of the nadus and Kurrams?
The Valanadu was split into several nadus and Kurrams. Inscriptions from the district show that these included Kilvembu nadu (Tirunelveli and Sevalapperi), Melvembunadu (Cheranmadevi and Suttamalli), Thiruvazhuthi Valanadu (Karukkurichi), Mulli nadu (Ambasamudram and Kallidaikurichi), Anma nadu (Cholapuram), Vanavan nadu (Kalakadu), Thannari nadu, and Vadavari nadu (Sankarankoil and Vasudevanallur), along with Arasur nadu (Kayathar). The Kurrams listed are Tirukkanaper Kurram and Milali Kurram. These administrative divisions slowly disappeared after the reign of Kulottunga I
## Administrative Structure of Chola Tirunelveli
**Hierarchy of Divisions:**
- The Chola empire was organized into a clear administrative hierarchy:
- **Mandalam** (Province)
- **Valanadu** (Commissionary)
- **Nadu** (District)
- **Kurram** (Group of villages; lowest unit)[3][7][8]
**Tirunelveli Region Divisions:**
- In the Chola period, present-day Tirunelveli was part of Mudikonda Cholavalanadu and later known as Rajaraja Valanadu.
- The Valanadu was split into several *nadus* and *kurrams*, as evidenced by inscriptions:
- **Nadus:** Kilvembu nadu (Tirunelveli, Sevalapperi), Melvembunadu (Cheranmadevi, Suttamalli), Thiruvazhuthi Valanadu (Karukkurichi), Mulli nadu (Ambasamudram, Kallidaikurichi), Anma nadu (Cholapuram), Vanavan nadu (Kalakadu), Thannari nadu, Vadavari nadu (Sankarankoil, Vasudevanallur), Arasur nadu (Kayathar)
- **Kurrams:** Tirukkanaper Kurram, Milali Kurram[8]
**Evolution and Disappearance:**
- These administrative divisions and their names changed frequently during the Chola period and many disappeared after the reign of Kulottunga I[8].
**Village Administration:**
- Villages (*ur* or *oor*) had different administrative structures compared to Brahmin settlements, which were governed by *sabhas* (assemblies)[2].
- Larger towns were known as *taniyurs*[4].
**Governance and Audits:**
- Officials were regularly audited, with records of punishments for negligence.
- The king sometimes personally inspected local administration[2].
## Summary Table
| Level | Example from Tirunelveli | Description |
|--------------|-------------------------|------------------------------|
| Mandalam | Rajaraja Mandalam | Province |
| Valanadu | Mudikonda Cholavalanadu | Sub-province/Commissionary |
| Nadu | Kilvembu nadu, etc. | District |
| Kurram | Tirukkanaper Kurram | Group of villages (lowest) |
**Key Point:**
The Chola administrative system in Tirunelveli was highly structured, with clear divisions that adapted over time, and emphasized local self-governance and accountability[3][7][8].
Citations:
[1] Chola government - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chola_government
[2] Nadu - Varalaaru - A Portal For South Asian History http://www.varalaaru.com/design/article.aspx?ArticleID=75
[3] [Solved] Arrange the following administrative units of the Chola peri https://testbook.com/question-answer/arrange-the-following-administrative-units-of-the--6098b4c30b3535e79c6a3c58
[4] Notes On Administration of the Chola Empire - CBSE Class 7 History https://www.nextgurukul.in/wiki/concept/cbse/class-7/history/new-kings-and-kingdoms/administration-of-the-chola-empire/3960021
[5] Valanadu, Vaḷanāṭu, Valanatu, Vala-natu: 3 definitions https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/valanadu
[6] Tirunelveli - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tirunelveli
[7] Chola Empire - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chola_Empire
[8] History | Tirunelveli District, Government of Tamil Nadu | India https://tirunelveli.nic.in/history/
[9] Tirunelveli Corporation - Commissionerate of Municipal Administration https://www.tnurbantree.tn.gov.in/tirunelveli/
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