Studies in Cola History and Administration c8.33

c8.33

The next instance of a detailed constitution of the *Sabhā* known to us is contained in the celebrated Uttaramallūr inscriptions. It is doubtful if the constitution of Uttaramērūr, to use the more ancient name of the place, was adopted at the instance of the king or had his approval. The only thing that is certain is that a royal officer was present in the assembly on both the occasions when it discussed and settled its own constitution. Later Cōḷa inscriptions contain specific examples of royal orders communicating certain rules to regulate the qualifications of the members and the conduct of the meeting of the *Sabhā*.* But all these instances establish one point beyond doubt, that each village had its own separate constitution. Though the type was more or less the same, the details varied considerably, and the assemblies often changed their constitutions in the light of experience.