Classical age/medieval age
The early medieval age of India lasted for approximately 700 years. Feudalism can be used to explain why there were so many kingdoms in medieval India. Due to kingdoms feeling insecure and waging war on each other, the early medieval Indian kingdom was not united. Just like Europe, medieval India was a multipolar subcontinent. After defeating a neighbouring kingdom, the kingdom could ask them for tribute and loyalty, and then the king of the winning kingdom could take on the title of Maharajadhiraj or Great King of Kings. Medieval rulers also issued grants to influential religious and political figures within their realms. These included brahmins, or academics/priests and military leaders. Brahmins could reinforce the ruler’s origins and ancestors, establishing the rulers as legitimate. They took on regal titles that established them as pious Hindu god devotees and employed Brahmins as their courtiers. The king’s main duty or dharma was to protect the people and to ensure that enough land was given to the Brahmins to build temples. This was important because Brahmins performed various ceremonies and contributed to reinforcing the monarch's legitimacy. The Indian subcontinent did not have 1 central authority not just because there were many regional kingdoms. It was also because war was always going on, so borders were always changing. The rulers governed the central area with the capital themselves, while outer areas were de facto ruled by local chieftains or feudatories.
Cholas
The Chola empire was once such a powerful regional empire in the medieval age, reaching its peak in the mid-9th century. At their peak they ruled much of south India, stretching as far as Sri Lanka and even the Maldives. Founded by Vijayalaya, the early Chola kings expanded their territory, however, it wasn’t until Rajaraja 1 and his Rajendra that the Chola empire became a regional great power. Rajaraja I built the administrative structure and expanded the empire to great lengths. Ascending the throne in 985 CE, he took Madurai, Sri Lanka and Maldives, establishing a successful trade network and showing how strong their navy was. His son, Rajendra surpassed Rajaraja, conquering Odisha and portions of Madhya Pradesh and Bengal, as well as portions of the Malay peninsula. He established a new capital, Gangaikondacolapuram, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. He also asserted authority over the River Ganges, by taking water from there and pouring it into wells or reservoirs built near Chola temples. This was important because it showed their subjects that the Cholas had not only royal connections but also divine ones.
Administration in the Chola empire
Administration was divided into 3 tiers: central, provincial and local. The Chola rulers personally oversaw core areas near their capital, while granting other districts and lands to loyal vassals and brahmins. Village assemblies and town associations had significant autonomy in managing local affairs- Nadus were administrative divisions with assemblies made up of influential members of the community. They comprised several villages and were in charge of tax collection and promoting agriculture. These were mid-level divisions - between smaller villages and larger regions. The Chola empire broadly consisted of 9 provinces, each with its own administrative staff and a viceroy/governor. These were usually close family members of the ruling king.
Temples and religion during the Chola empire
The Cholas were very pious people who were devoted (mainly) to Lord Shiva, who is part of the Trimurti in Hinduism. Stupendous temples and artworks(several of which still stand today) give evidence of how religious the royal family was. Furthermore, it suggests that the Cholas weren’t just powerful statesmen or military leaders, but also legitimate leaders. They were protectors of dharma and destroyers of demons. Rajaraja I constructed the Bhrihadishvara temple. This temple has many different portraits of Lord Shiva and was even portrayed as a slayer of monsters on the adorned tower. Rajaraja 1 wanted to raise the position of Lord Shiva in terms of worshipping him. This was important because it helped him establish legitimacy, showcased the wealth and how sophisticated the Chola empire was and connected the King and deities through rituals and royal ceremonies, making a strong political statement. They also considered it as their duty towards God and their people. Furthermore, during Queen Sembiyan Mahadevi’s time, there was an increase in expert bronze work. For example, an iconic image was Shiva Nataraja, which was an image of Lord Shiva as a divine dancer, or Lord of dance.