The centre of all social activity during the Chola period was the temple. A temple was either constructed by the king or else it was built by the village through revenue collection and donations from the trade guilds. The temple was where the assemblies were held and where schooling was done. A new concept of Devadasis (female servants of Gods) came about with women becoming actively involved in the running and management of the temple. They joined the temple at a very young age, and the more talented were selected for training in the dance form of Bharatanatyam, which involved very difficult training.
The caste system had by now become a marked feature of the society. The Brahmins (priests) had by now established themselves as the most privileged section of society. They had tremendous political influence and were exempt from tax. The remaining caste strictures were all essentially the same as before, although the concept of untouchable castes had further spread, they were not even allowed to enter the temples. The Brahmins in fact were strong supporters of the caste system, because they knew that their position depended on the disunity of the rests of the castes. Castes were also related to economic activity, and one could acquire privileges normally given to another caste by performing similar work.
Education continued to be obtained in temples or monasteries. Brahmins on completing their education would be absorbed by the temple itself. The language of instruction was usually Sanskrit and the course was laid out in a systematic manner requiring regular attendance. Vocational studies also continued for the trade guilds were still active and the hereditary tradition continued with them. While Sanskrit remained a language of education and religion, vernacular languages soon grew and in time literature for them was written. Religion was an important part of the society. The earlier sects of Hinduism, the Shaiva and the Vaishnava had strong following. New mystical cults like Tantrics, Shahka, Kapalika, Kalamukhas and Pashupatas also emerged with their own set of rituals and practices. These cults however had restricted following and the people who were involved in them were usually non conformists and opponents of the prevailing social system. Debates were often held in temples and schools and philosophy made some considerable progress during this time.
The centre of all social activity during the Chola period was the temple. A temple was either constructed by the king or else it was built by the village through revenue collection and donations from the trade guilds. The temple was where the assemblies were held and where schooling was done. A new concept of Devadasis (female servants of Gods) came about with women becoming actively involved in the running and management of the temple. They joined the temple at a very young age, and the more talented were selected for training in the dance form of Bharatanatyam, which involved very difficult training.
The caste system had by now become a marked feature of the society. The Brahmins (priests) had by now established themselves as the most privileged section of society. They had tremendous political influence and were exempt from tax. The remaining caste strictures were all essentially the same as before, although the concept of untouchable castes had further spread, they were not even allowed to enter the temples. The Brahmins in fact were strong supporters of the caste system, because they knew that their position depended on the disunity of the rests of the castes. Castes were also related to economic activity, and one could acquire privileges normally given to another caste by performing similar work.
Education continued to be obtained in temples or monasteries. Brahmins on completing their education would be absorbed by the temple itself. The language of instruction was usually Sanskrit and the course was laid out in a systematic manner requiring regular attendance. Vocational studies also continued for the trade guilds were still active and the hereditary tradition continued with them. While Sanskrit remained a language of education and religion, vernacular languages soon grew and in time literature for them was written. Religion was an important part of the society. The earlier sects of Hinduism, the Shaiva and the Vaishnava had strong following. New mystical cults like Tantrics, Shahka, Kapalika, Kalamukhas and Pashupatas also emerged with their own set of rituals and practices. These cults however had restricted following and the people who were involved in them were usually non conformists and opponents of the prevailing social system. Debates were often held in temples and schools and philosophy made some considerable progress during this time.
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