They functioned solely as religious centres without economic roles.
Explanation
Chola temples were central institutions in medieval South Indian society. They were not merely places of worship but functioned as the hub of economic, political, and cultural activities, integrating various sections of society.- They were often the nuclei of settlements. is correct: Temples frequently became the nuclei of settlements. As temples grew in importance, settlements comprising priests, artisans, traders, and service providers developed around them to cater to the needs of the temple and the pilgrims.
- They functioned solely as religious centres without economic roles. is incorrect: Chola temples were significant economic entities. They acted as banks, lending money to village assemblies for development purposes, organized trade, and managed agricultural production. Therefore, the statement that they functioned solely as religious centres without economic roles is factually wrong.
- They were endowed with land by rulers. is correct: Rulers and wealthy individuals endowed temples with vast tracts of land (known as Devadana). The produce from this land sustained the temple's activities and its dependents.
- They supported specialists like garland makers and musicians. is correct: The wealth accumulated by the temples supported a wide range of specialists who worked there, including garland makers, cooks, sweepers, musicians, dancers, and craftspeople.
Key Takeaway: Chola temples were comprehensive socio-economic institutions that managed land, finance, and employment, extending their influence far beyond religious rituals.