CBSE Class 7 Answered

Life during the Chola period centred around the temple because of various reasons. These are

• The construction and maintenance of the temple offered jobs to a number of people as each temple had its own priests, musicians, dancers, florists, cooks, carpenters, sweepers, potters, gardeners, washermen and others.
• Different types of crafts were produced here.
• Religious, social and cultural functions were held in the temple premises.
• Schools, colleges and hospitals also grew around these temples.

Thus, the temple was not only a place of worship but also the epicentre of social, economic and cultural life.