The Rashtrakutas and their Times c14.16

c14.16

Important towns and cities formed administrative units by themselves and were under the charge of special officers known as Purapatis or Nagarapatis. Since early time this custom prevailed; Arthaśāstra of Kauṭalya, II 36, and Manusmriti, VII 121, both lay down that towns and cities were to be under the jurisdiction of separate officers. Jaugada special edict No. 1 of Asoka mentions nagaravoharakas who were in charge of town government in his administration. Under the Gupta administration cities like Koṭivarsha⁹ and Girinagara¹⁰ were under the charge of officers specially entrusted with their control, supervision and government.