In the administrative system of the Chola Empire, the kingdom was territorially divided into which hierarchy of units?

Introduction / Context:
The Chola Empire of South India is renowned not only for its temple architecture and overseas trade but also for its sophisticated administrative system. Understanding the territorial divisions used by the Cholas helps students appreciate how large pre modern states were organised and governed. This question focuses on the correct set of administrative units into which the Chola realm was divided.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question deals with the administrative divisions of the Chola Empire.
• We are asked to choose the correct combination of terms used for different levels of territory.
• The options mention units such as Mandalam, Nadu, Kurram, Valanadu, Avanti, and Malkhand.
• We assume familiarity with key Chola terms from history textbooks.

Concept / Approach:
Under the Cholas, the empire was divided into large provinces called Mandalams. These Mandalams were further subdivided into Valanadus, which were again divided into smaller units. Nadu represented a group of villages, and Kurram (sometimes written as Kurram or Kottam in related contexts) served as another important sub unit in the hierarchy. Names like Avanti and Malkhand are associated with other regions and not specifically with Chola territorial divisions. Therefore, the correct combination is Mandalams, Nadu, Kurram, and Valanadu.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall from medieval South Indian history that Chola administration was highly structured and documented in inscriptions. Step 2: Identify Mandalam as the largest territorial division under Chola rule, often corresponding to major regions. Step 3: Remember that Valanadu was a subdivision of the Mandalam, consisting of several Nadus. Step 4: Recognise that Nadu represented a cluster of villages, an important basic unit for revenue and local governance. Step 5: Note that Kurram (or Kurram type units) is used in several inscriptions as another level of division connected with administration and land records. Step 6: Observe that Avanti and Malkhand are not standard Chola administrative terms; Avanti is a historical region in central India, and Malkhand is used elsewhere. Step 7: Conclude that the correct combination is “Mandalams, Nadu, Kurram and Valanadu.”

Verification / Alternative check:
Inscriptions from the Chola period and summaries in history textbooks list Mandalam, Valanadu, Nadu, and village units as the main administrative levels. Scholars of Chola history often describe the typical hierarchy as Empire – Mandalam – Valanadu – Nadu – village or Kurram. Cross checking this pattern with the given options clearly supports the answer containing Mandalams, Nadu, Kurram, and Valanadu, and excludes unrelated names like Avanti and Malkhand.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Option A (Mandalams, Nadu, Avanti and Kurram): Avanti is an ancient mahajanapada in central India and not a Chola administrative term.
• Option B (Mandalams, Nadu, Malkhand and Kurram): Malkhand is not a standard administrative unit in Chola inscriptions.
• Option C (Avanti, Nadu, Malkhand and Kurram): This option replaces Mandalam and Valanadu with terms not used by the Cholas.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may get confused because some of these terms appear in different contexts across Indian history. For example, Avanti is a well known name from the mahajanapada period, and Malkhand may appear in discussions of other regional histories. To avoid confusion, focus on the distinctively Chola units: Mandalam at the top, Valanadu as a sub province, Nadu as a cluster of villages, and Kurram as another administrative segment mentioned in inscriptions.

Final Answer:
The Chola Empire was territorially divided into Mandalams, Nadu, Kurram and Valanadu as its main administrative units.