The correct option is (a).
Explanation
The Chola administration is renowned for its highly organized local self-government. Village autonomy was a distinct feature, functioning through assemblies such as the Ur, the Sabha (or Mahasabha), and the Nagaram, depending on the nature of the village settlement.
- Statement 1 is Correct: The Sabha was an assembly exclusively found in Brahmadeya villages (villages granted to Brahmanas). It consisted of prominent Brahmana landholders who looked after the administration of the settlement.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Sabha did not function in Vellanvagai villages. Vellanvagai refers to land held by non-Brahmana peasant proprietors. The assembly associated with Vellanvagai villages was known as the Ur, which was a general assembly of local residents.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Sabha did not function as a single monolithic body; rather, it operated through a sophisticated system of committees known as Variyams. Inscriptions, such as the famous Uttaramerur inscription, detail the existence of specific sub-committees for different functions, such as the Eri-variyam (Tank Committee), Totta-variyam (Garden Committee), and Pon-variyam (Gold Committee).
Key Takeaway:
The Sabha was an exclusive assembly of Brahmana landholders in Brahmadeya villages that functioned through a democratic committee system (Variyams), whereas the Ur was the assembly for non-Brahmana (Vellanvagai) villages.