NCERT Class 7 History — Chapter 2: Kings and Kingdoms

mcqeasy

With reference to the Chola administration, the term Muvendavelan refers to:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AA priest performing the Hiranya-garbha ritual.
BA tax collector in the Nagaram.
CA peasant serving three kings.
DA military commander of the elephant corps.

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

A peasant serving three kings.

Explanation

The Chola administration was characterized by a structured relationship between the central government and local agrarian communities. Wealthy landowners, particularly from the Vellala caste, played a crucial role in the administration of the nadu (districts) and were integrated into the state apparatus through honorific titles.

Analysis of the Term:

The term Muvendavelan is a Tamil compound word derived from Muvend (referring to the three crowned kings-the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas) and Velan (peasant).
It literally translates to "a velan (peasant) serving three kings."
This title was bestowed by Chola monarchs upon rich landowners as a marker of respect and social status.
Recipients of titles like Muvendavelan and Araiyar (chief) were frequently entrusted with important administrative offices and responsibilities at the central level, thereby linking the agrarian elite directly to the imperial administration.

Key Takeaway: Muvendavelan was a prestigious title awarded to wealthy landowners (Vellalas) in the Chola Empire, signifying a peasant serving three kings, and was often accompanied by high state appointments.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Kings and Kingdoms

Consider the following statements regarding the ritual of hiranya-garbha: 1. It was performed by the Rashtrakuta chief Dantidurga to overthrow his Chalukya overlord. 2. The ritual literally translates to "the iron womb". 3. It was believed that this ritual allowed the sacrificer to be reborn as a Kshatriya, even if he was not one by birth. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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With reference to the emergence of new dynasties in the early medieval period, which of the following pairs of rulers and their original professions is/are correctly matched? 1. Kadamba Mayurasharman : Brahmana 2. Gurjara-Pratihara Harichandra : Kshatriya 3. Dantidurga : Rashtrakuta Chief Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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In the context of early medieval India, which of the following titles was adopted by kings to demonstrate high status?

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The term vetti, frequently mentioned in the inscriptions of the Cholas, refers to:

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Consider the following statements regarding the Prashasti of the Pratihara king Nagabhata: 1. It was written in Pali and found in Pataliputra. 2. It describes his victory over the King of Vanga (Bengal). 3. It claims he won a victory over Chakrayudha, the ruler of Kanauj. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is

A peasant serving three kings.

Explanation

Analysis of the Term:

The term Muvendavelan is a Tamil compound word derived from Muvend (referring to the three crowned kings-the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas) and Velan (peasant).
It literally translates to "a velan (peasant) serving three kings."
This title was bestowed by Chola monarchs upon rich landowners as a marker of respect and social status.
Recipients of titles like Muvendavelan and Araiyar (chief) were frequently entrusted with important administrative offices and responsibilities at the central level, thereby linking the agrarian elite directly to the imperial administration.