Brahmanas as religious heads and administrators

These Brahmins dedicated themselves in religious activities and interpreted Vedas, and Sudras.^[1] The Brahmins acted as Rajaguru to the Chola Monarchs. In order to get the favour of the rulers they served under him as advisors and administrators. It raised the prestige of the Brahmanas. The Brahmins were respected and honored in the society. Most of the Chief Ministers and Commanders-in-Chief of the army were appointed from the Brahmins. Kings also appointed them as juries in the court to dispense justice. Thus they got recognition from the society through their posts and received several concessions and grants from the rulers.^[2]

For instance a record^[3] of Rajendra I mentions that a deed of the donation was recorded after getting permission from the local Chola royal officials viz., Nattiyathan and Solaiyathan of Arasur, under Pampurikkurram, Korukkai Nitha Vinodhini Valanadu of Chola Mandalam.

Besides one more record^[4] of Rajendra II reveals that the responsibility of the divine deed a land donation was entrusted to the temple Brahmanas viz., Bharathvaj Kuthadi Bhattan and his brothers Sivaloga Udayan Bhattan and Dakshina Murthi Bhattan.