Meaning of the term Variyam used during Chola Empire
“Variyam” was a term used during the Chola Empire in medieval South India to refer to a category of government officials who were responsible for maintaining law and order and collecting taxes from the people.
The term “Variyam” is derived from the Tamil word “variyal” which means order or command. The Variyams were appointed by the Chola kings to act as their representatives in different regions of the empire, and they were responsible for enforcing the laws and regulations of the empire, as well as collecting taxes and revenues from the people.
The Variyams were often members of the local elite, and they enjoyed a high degree of social and political status within their communities. They were also responsible for maintaining the peace and security of their respective regions, and they often served as judges and arbitrators in disputes between individuals and communities.
The Variyams were an important part of the administrative and governance structure of the Chola Empire, and they played a crucial role in maintaining the stability and prosperity of the empire. They were often granted lands and other privileges by the ruling Chola kings as a recognition of their service to the empire.
Today, the term “Variyam” is remembered as an important part of the cultural and historical heritage of the Tamil-speaking regions of South India, and it continues to be used in modern Tamil literature and culture as a symbol of the tradition of public service and civic responsibility.