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Ancient Administrative
UNIT 1 ANCIENT ADMINISTRATIVE System

SYSTEM
Structure

1.0 Objectives
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Evolution of Ancient Indian Administration

1.3 Mauryan Administrative System

1.3.1 Central Administration
1.3.2 Provincial Administration
1.3.3 Local Administration
1.3.4 Revenue Administration
1.3.5 Judicial Administration
1.3.6 Military Administration

1.4 Administrative System during Gupta Period

1.4.1 Central Administration
1.4.2 Provincial Administration
1.4.3 Local Administration
1.4.4 Revenue Administration
1.4.5 Judicial Administration
1.4.6 Military Administration
1.4.7 Trade and Business

1.5 Conclusion

1.6 References and Further Readings

1.0 OBJECTIVES

After studying this unit, you should be able to:

· discuss the evolution of administration in ancient India,

· Explain the central, provincial, local, and other fields of administration during
the Mauryan period, and
· Describe the central, provincial, local, and other fields of administration
during the Gupta period.

1.1 INTRODUCTION
Indian administration, as we know, has its evolution that can be traced back to the
5000 years old Indus Valley Civilization wherein the King was all powerful and
everything in the Kingdom was carried out in his name. He was assisted by a
council of ministers, and also other functionaries and officers in administering the
Kingdom. In other words, in the ancient times, the powers of administering the
Kingdom were centralized in the institution of the King.
This was followed by the Vedic period. Early Vedic Aryans were organized into
tribes rather than kingdoms. The chief of a tribe was called 'Rajan.' The main
responsibility of the Rajan was to protect the tribe. He was assisted by several
functionaries, including the purohita (chaplain), the senani (army chief), dutas
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(envoys), and spash (spies).
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Evolution of Indians However, a systematic model of administration came in with the coming of the Mauryan
Administration
and Gupta dynasties. Both the dynasties had elaborate governmental machinery that
carried out state functions in a highly organized manner. The Unit therefore tends to
discuss the administrative systems that prevailed during these dynasties.

We will just have a brief discussion about the evolution of the ancient administrative
system to begin with.

1.2 EVOLUTION OF ANCIENT INDIAN

ADMINISTRATION
The Vedic period or Vedic age (c. 1500 – c. 500 BCE) gets its name from the Vedas1 .
Early Vedic Aryans were organized into tribes rather than kingdoms.
The chief of a tribe was called 'Rajan.' The main responsibility of the Rajan was to protect
the tribe. He was assisted by several functionaries, including the purohita (chaplain), the
senani (army chief), dutas (envoys), and spash (spies).
However, the autonomy of the Rajan was restricted by the tribal councils called 'sabha'
and 'samiti.' Arthur Llewellyn Basham, a noted historian and Indologist, theorizes that
sabha was a meeting of great men in the tribe, whereas, samiti was a meeting of all free
tribes men. The two bodies were, in part, responsible for the governance of the tribe. The
Rajan could not accede to the throne without their approval.

In the later Vedic period, the tribes had consolidated into small kingdoms, which had a
capital and rudimentary administrative system. The Rajan was seen as the custodian of
social order and the protector of 'rashtra' (polity). Hereditary kingship started emerging.
Rituals in this era exalted the status of the King over his people. He was occasionally
referred to as 'samrat' (supreme ruler).
The Rajan's increasing political power enabled him to gain greater control over the
productive resources. The voluntary gift offering (bali) became a compulsory tribute. There
was no organized system of taxation. Sabha and samiti were still there but with the
increasing power of the Rajan, their influence declined. By the end of the later Vedic age,
different kinds of political systems such as monarchical states (rajya), oligarchic states
(gana or sangha), and tribal principalities had started emerging.

Economy in the Vedic period was sustained by a combination of pastoralist and agricultural
way of life. Economic exchanges were conducted by gift giving, particularly to chiefs and
priests, and barter system was there, wherein cattle were used, as a unit of currency. The
transition of Vedic society from semi

1 Vedas are liturgical texts containing details of life during this period that have been interpreted
to be historical and constitute the primary sources for understanding the period. The Vedic
period, or Vedic age (c. 1500 – c. 500 BCE), is the period in the history of the north Indian
subcontinent between the end of the Indus Valley Civilization and second urbanization, which
began in the central Indo-Gangetic Plain. c. 600 BCE. It gets its name from the Vedas. Around c.
1200–1000 BCE, Vedic Aryans spread eastward to the fertile Ganges Plain and adopted
iron tools, which allowed for clearing of forest and the adoption of a more settled,
agricultural way of life. The second half of the Vedic period was characterized by the
emergence of towns, kingdoms, and a complex social differentiation distinctive to India.

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Nomadic life to settled agriculture in the later Vedic age led to an increase in trade Ancient Administrative
System
and competition for resources. Agriculture dominated the economic activity along the
Ganges valley during this period. Agricultural operations grew in complexity and
usage of iron implements increased. Apart from copper, bronze, and gold, later Vedic
texts also mention about the usage of tin, lead, and silver.
Crops of wheat, rice, and barley were cultivated. New crafts and occupations such
as carpentry, leather work, tanning, pottery, astrology, jewelry, dying, and wine
making arose.

Romila Thapar characterizes Vedic-era state formation, as being in a condition of

“arrested development,” because …chiefs were relatively autonomous and owing to
surplus wealth they controlled, which was used for the increasingly grandiose rituals
that otherwise could have been directed towards state -building (Bellah 2011). The
period of the Upanishads, the final phase of the Vedic era, (was approximately
contemporary with a new wave of state formations) was linked to the beginning of
urbanization in the Ganges Valley. The growth of population and trade networks led
to the social and economic changes that started putting pressure on older ways of life
suggesting the end of the Vedic period and setting the stage for urbanization. (Bellah
2011), (697-98: citing the terminology of Bruce Trigger, Understanding Early
Civilizations).

By the time the Mauryan dynasty came into power, the treatise of Kautilya, namely
Arthashastra' became a work on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy.
Kautilya, was a scholar at Takshashila University and was the teacher and guardian
of Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. Indian administration system was well developed
and the treatise of Kautilya gives a very first detailed account of the same.

The Mauryan Period was the era of major development in Indian administration.
Decentralization was prevalent, as the village units played a very important role, as
the base of grassroots administration. Empire was divided into provinces, provinces
into districts, and districts into rural and urban centers for efficient administration.

A detailed account of the administrative system in the Mauryan period is given below.

1.3 MAURYAN ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM

Indian history entered into a new era with the beginning of the Mauryan Empire, as
for the first time India attained political unity and administrative uniformity.
The Mauryan Empire was divided into four provinces with Patliputra as the capital.
The names of the four provincial capitals were Tosali in the East, Ujjayain in the
West, Suvarnagiri in the South, and Taxila in the North.

Mauryans developed an organized and elaborate system of administration.

There was central administration directly under the King. Besides there was provincial
administration, local administration, revenue administration, judicial administration,
and military administration.

We will now discuss the administrative systems. To begin with, is the central
administration system under the Mauryas.
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Evolution of Indians 1.3.1 Central Administration

Administration

The King was the supreme and sovereign authority of the Mauryan administration.
He had the supreme executive, legislative, and judicial powers vested in him. He
was responsible for the safety and security of his kingdom. He laid down the
general lines of policy that was to be followed by all officials. He appointed ministers
and other officers of the royal administration. In addition, the King was the supreme
commander of the army and head of the entire military.

The Mauryan Empire (before Ashoka) was essentially a Hindu State. According to
the Hindu concept, the supreme sovereign of the State was 'Dharma' or law and
the King was to be its guardian. The King could never dare to defy the laws.
He was aided and advised by a 'Mantri Parishad' (Council of Ministers) and he was
to be guided by it in the conduct of day-to-day administration. This became more
of an obligation during times of emergencies (war or a natural disaster or health
epidemics). The Brahmins had a great influence on the King and the latter was
required not to disobey them. Instead, he always looked towards their support.
Also, as the powers of the Mauryan government were of a decentralized nature,
the provincial governor and provincial ministers had the right to be consulted by
the King, especially, in all provincial matters.

The number of ministers in the Council of Ministers varied and was not fixed.
The ministers had to qualify by showing their ability, especially in terms of religion
and money. In times of emergency, the King was always to be guided by the
majority decision of the Council of Ministers.

Besides, there was a well organized hierarchy of bureaucrats, who looked after the
executive, judicial, and revenue offices. The entire administration system was
organized into departments, each of which was headed by a Superintendent,
known as 'Adhyaksha.' The Adhyaksha was assisted by clerks, accountants, and
spies. In addition, there were two posts of high officials, namely the 'Samaharta'
and the 'Sannidhata.' The Samaharta was the collector general of revenue for the
Mauryan Empire. He had control over the expenditure part as well. The post of
Sannidhata was the officer-in-charge of the treasury and store. Besides, there were
other officers like Army Minister, Chief Priest, and Governor of Forts.

1.3.2 Provincial Administration

The entire Empire was divided into two parts:

The kingdom that was under the direct rule of the King, and
The vassal states

The Mauryan territory that was directly ruled by the King was divided into a number
of provinces called 'Janapadas.' Ashoka had five provinces with capitals namely
Taxila, Ujjain, Tosali, Suvarnagiri, and Pataliputra. Each province was subdivided
into a number of districts and each district was again subdivided into a number of
units.

However, in addition to these centrally ruled Mauryan territories, there were vassal
states. They enjoyed a great deal of autonomy.

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Ancient Administrative
The provincial administration worked on similar lines of the central administration.
System
The Mauryan Emperor directly ruled the central and eastern parts of the Empire.
The other areas were ruled by the provincial governors. The provincial governors
were responsible for day-to-day conduct of administration of provinces. They
were expected to consult on important matters. (the central administration).
There were also the district officers, reporters, clerks, who helped in the smooth
running of provincial administration.

1.3.3 Local Administration

The district administration was in charge of 'Rajukas', whose position and

functions are similar to today's district collectors. He was assisted by 'Yuktas' or
subordinate officials. In the city, there was a Municipal Board with 30 members.
There were six committees with five board members in each to manage the
administration of cities. The six committees were:

1) Committee on Industrial Arts

2) Committee on Foreigners
3) Committee on Registration of Births and Deaths
4) Committee on Trade and Commerce
5) Committee on Supervision of Manufacturers
6) Committee on Collection of Excise and Custom Duties

Village administration was in the hands of 'Gramani' and his superior was called
'Gopa,' who was in charge of ten to fifteen villages. Census was a regular activity
and the village officials were to number the people along with other details such
as their castes and occupations. They were also to count the animals in each
house.

Census in towns was conducted by municipal officials, especially to track the

movements of both foreign and indigenous population. The data collected were
cross checked by the spies. Census appears to have become a permanent
institution during the administration of the Mauryas.

1.3.4 Revenue Administration

Kautilya laid greater stress on treasury, as smooth and successful functioning of

administration depended on it. Main sources of income were land revenue,
taxation, and rent. Land revenue was 1/6 of the total produce, yet in reality much
higher proportion was charged, as per the economic and local conditions of the
farmers. In addition to land revenue, there were excise duty, forest tax, water
tax, taxes on mines, tax on coinage etc., as other sources of revenue. Much of
the Mauryan revenue was spent on paying the army, the officials of the royal
government, charities, and different public works like irrigation projects, road
construction etc.

1.3.5 Judicial Administration

The King was the head of the judiciary. He was the highest court of appeal and
personally listened to appeals of the people. However, since the Mauryan Empire
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Evolution of Indians was huge, it was not possible for the King to solve each and every case. So, he
Administration
appointed judges for the pupose. They used to hear normal cases. However during
the reign of Ashoka, many reforms were introduced in the judicial system. For
example, granting of pardon was introduced in his time.

The Supreme Court was located in the capital and the Chief Justice was called
'Dharmathikarin.' There were also subordinate courts at the provincial capitals and
districts under 'Amatyas.' In villages and towns, cases were settled by the
'Gramavradha' and 'Nagaravyavaharikamahamatra' respectively.

Different kinds of punishment such as fines, imprisonment, mutilation, and death

were meted out to the offenders. Police stations were found at all major places in
the city. Both Kautilya and Ashoka edicts mention about jails and jail officials. It
was ensured that no innocent gets punished. Ashoka appointed a special class of
officers known as the Dhamma Mahamatras to look into this. Remission of
sentences is also mentioned in Ashoka's inscriptions.

1.3.6 Military Administration

The King was the supreme commander of the military. The Mauryan army was
well organized and it was under the control of a 'Senapati.' As per Greek author
Pliny, the Mauryan army consisted of six lakh infantry, thirty thousand cavalry, nine
thousand elephants, and eight thousand chariots.

There was a Board of 30 members to look into matters pertaining to war. These
members were placed in six committees with five members in each. These
committees were responsible to manage the following wings of the military:

Navy
Transport and Supply
Infantry
Cavalry
War Chariots

War Elephants
Each of the above wings was under the control of 'Adhyaksha' or Superintendents.
The Mauryan Empire had the privilege of having successful administrators such
as Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka. The administration of the Empire was
decentralized and the administrative powers were divided into administrative units.
However, these units were under a rigid central control.

Ashoka introduced innovations and reforms in the Mauryan administrative system.

He improved the functioning of the executive, legislature, and judiciary. He
introduced reforms in the provincial administration. He appointed many officials to
look into the tasks of public welfare. Ashoka appointed a special class of officers
known as the Dhamma Mahamatras to look after the material and spiritual well
being of the people. These persons were to spread the gospel of Dhamma.

Activity
Let us know about your view points on the similarities and differences between
12 Mauryan administrative system and contemporary administration of today.
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Ancient Administrative
1.4 ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM DURING GUPTA System

PERIOD
The administrative system during the Gupta dynasty was found more or less similar to
that of the Mauryan Empire. At the time of the Gupta rule, there was political harmony
in ancient India. During this period, the Empire was classified into administrative
divisions like Rajya, Rashtra, Desha, and Mandala. This denotes the importance being
given to administrative decentralization. The administrative divisions helped the rulers
to systematically control their territories.
The period of Gupta's has been described as the golden age in ancient India.
There was consolidation of northern India under one political umbrella, which ushered
in an era of orderly growth and development.

We will discuss Gupta administration under the following headings:

1.4.1 Central Administration

Monarchy was the form of government during the Gupta Age and it has been hailed as
a benevolent monarchy. The King adopted pompous titles such as Parameshvara,
Maharajadhiraja, and Parambhattaraka. The King was the highest authority and wielded
wide powers to enable smooth functioning of the Empire.
He enjoyed political, administrative, military, and judicial powers. The theory of the
divinity of Kings was popular during this period, which added to the royal power and
prestige. They were looked upon, as Gods. Although the King possessed extensive
powers, he did not rule in a tyrannical manner. Council of ministers and several other
officials assisted the King in day to day performance of his duties.

The Gupta Kings appointed all governors and military and civil officials and the latter
were responsible to the King. The King conferred all honors and titles. The King was
the custodian of all land in the Empire. He looked into works like building of dams,
imparting of justice, recovery of taxes, and provision of shelter to the needy. The Kings
could never afford to be selfish despots. They had to be ruled, according to the principles
of 'Rajya Dharma.' There were also ministers and high officials to help and advise him
and he shared powers with them. The Emperor was assisted by a council of ministers
also known as Mantri Parishad.
The Prime Minister of the state, known as Mantri Mukhya was among the prominent
ones in the council. The other portfolios such as military affairs, law and order matters,
and such others were held by different officials known as Mahasandhi Vigrahaka,
Amatya, Mahabaladhikrita, and Mahadandnayaka. All important matters were decided
in a joint sitting of the King and his ministers.
The King used to respect the opinion given by his ministers.

Being a benevolent monarch, the King was always concerned with the well being of his
subjects. He toured the country to keep himself abrupt with the social and economic life
of the people.

1.4.2 Provincial Administration

The Guptas organized a system of provincial and local administration. The Empire was
divided into divisions called 'Bhukth' and each Bhukti was placed under the 13
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Evolution of Indians charge of an 'Uparika.' The Bhuktis were divided into districts or Vishayas and
Administration
each Vishaya was under a Vishayapati. The Vishayapatis were generally members
of the royal family. They were assisted in the work by a council of representatives.

1.4.3 Local Administration

The city was governed by a Parishad and the head was known as Nagara
Rakshaka. Purapala Uparika was another officer and the Nagara-Rakshaka worked
under him. Also, there was a special officer, known as Avasthika, who acted as
the Superintendent of Dharamsalas.

Professional bodies were given considerable attention. Artisans, merchants, and

bankers organized their own guilds and managed their own affairs. The guild
merchants looked after trade in the cities.

The village was the smallest unit of administration. Gramika was the head of the
village. Other officials known, as Dutas or messengers, headman, and Kartri were
also there. Gramika was assisted by a village assembly. During the Guptas, the
rural bodies like Panchayats were in charge of the welfare of villagers. These rural
bodies comprised of the headman and elders of the villages. Hence, one can
construe that the Guptas promoted local participation at all levels of the
administration.

1.4.4 Revenue Administration

The duties of revenue administration were carried out by officials like Viniyuktaka,
Rajuka, Uparika, Dashparadhika, and such others. From among the 18 sources of
revenue, land revenue was the chief one. It was generally fixed at one-sixth of the
total production. Also, land revaluation was an important source of income. The
greater part of the revenue generated was spent on public welfare.

Land tax was levied on cultivators, who had no land rights. It was one sixth of the
total production. There were also other sources of income like income tax known
as Bhaga, custom duty, mint duty, inheritance tax, and gift tax. In addition to these
taxes, fine such as Dasaparadha that was imposed on the offenders, was a source
of income.

Salaries were usually paid in the form of land grants (in lieu of cash). Such land
grants gave the beneficiaries hereditary rights over the land. However, the King
had the power to take back the land. The lands given to the Brahmins had no tax
on them.

Waste lands were brought under cultivation and pasture lands were protected.
The Gupta rulers promoted irrigation facilities and this enabled increase in
agricultural production.

1.4.5 Judicial Administration

Judicial system was far more developed under the Guptas than in earlier times.
Several books on law were compiled during this period and for the first time civil
and criminal laws were clearly demarcated. Theft and adultery came under criminal
law and disputes regarding various types of property came under civil law.
14 Elaborate laws were laid down regarding inheritance.
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It was the duty of the King to uphold the law and deal with legal cases with the help Ancient Administrative
System
of Brahman priests, judges, and ministers. The decision or the judgment of the court
was based on legal texts, social customs prevailing during those times, and discretion
of the King. King was the highest court of appeal. The guilds of artisans, merchants,
and others were governed by their own laws.

At the lowest level of the judicial system was the village assembly or trade guild.
These were the village councils, which were appointed to settle the disputes between
the parties that appeared before them. It is believed that mild punishments were
awarded to the guilty persons.

1.4.6 Military Administration

Gupta rulers had a huge army. They maintained a standing army and the use of
cavalry and horse archery were in vogue. The territories of the Empire were kept
under watchful eyes. The military officers, referred in inscriptions were the Senapati,
Mahasenapati, Baladhikrita, Mahabaladhikrita, Dandanayaka, Sandhivigrahika, and
Mahasandhivigrahika, They were the key functionaries in the military administration.
The military had four wings namely the information wing, cavalry wing, elephant wing,
and the navy. The main weapons of war were bows and arrows, swords, axes, and
spears.

1.4.7 Trade and Business

The Empire carried out trade activities with countries like China, Ceylon, several
European countries, and the East Indian islands. This made the Empire become
economically and strategically strong, which led to the annexation of new states and
thereby the expansion of the territorial boundaries of the Empire.

Activity

Let us know about your view points on the similarities and differences between the
administrative system of the Guptas and contemporary administration of today.

1.5 CONCLUSION
The above sections have mentioned about the administrative systems prevalent in
the Mauryan and Gupta kingdoms. The central, provincial, revenue, financial, judicial,
and local administrative systems have been dealt with in details. This makes one to
understand that both the administrative systems were monarchical yet not despotic.
The King was a benevolent monarch, who was concerned with the welfare of his
subjects. Both the administrations were the foundation of the ancient administrative
system and proved to be pointers for our present day administration.

1.6 REFERENCES AND FURTHER READINGS

Arora, RK, 1996, Indian Public Administration Institutions and Issues, second edition,
Wishwa Prakashan, New Delhi

Basham, AL, 1997, My Guruji and Problems and Perspectives of Ancient Indian
History and Culture, Abhinav Publications, India
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Evolution of Indians Bellah, 2011, citing the terminology of Brance Trigger, Understanding Early
Administration
Civilizations, http:/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/vedic_period

Maheswari, SR, 2001, Indian Administration, Orient Longman, New Delhi

Maity Sachindra Kumar, 1975, The Imperial Guptas and Their Times, CIR. AD
300-550, MM Publishers, N. Delhi

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