Political History of Ancient India, from the Accession of Parikshit to the Extinction of the Gupta Dynasty c14.s3.116

c14.s3.116

As to the *Yutas* or *Yuktas*, they are described by Manu⁵ as the custodians of *Praṇaashṭādhigata dravya* (lost property which was recovered). In the *Arthaśāstra* too, they are mentioned in connection with *Samudaya* or state funds¹ which they are represented as misappropriating. Hultzsch suggests that they were ‘secretaries’ employed for codifying royal orders in the office of the *Mahāmātras*. The *Pulisā* or Agents are apparently identical with the *Purushas* or *Rāja Purushas* of the *Arthaśāstra*.² Hultzsch prefers to equate them with the *Gūḍha-purushas* and points out that they were graded into high ones, low ones, and those of middle rank.³ They were placed in charge of many people⁴ and controlled the *Rājūkas*. The *Paṭivedakā* or Reporters are doubtless the *Chāras* mentioned in Chapter 16 of the *Arthaśāstra*,⁵ while the *Vachabhūmikas* or “Inspectors of cowpens” were evidently charged with the superintendence of “*Vraja*” referred to in Chapter 21.⁶ The *Lipikaras* are the royal scribes one of whom, Chapaḍa, is mentioned by name in Minor Rock Edict II. *Dūtas* or envoys are referred to in Rock Edict XIII. If the *Kauṭilīya* is to be believed, they were divided into three classes, viz., Nisṛishṭārthāḥ or Plenipotentiaries, Parimitarthaḥ or Charges d’Affaires and *Śāsanaharas* or conveyers of royal writ.⁷ The *Āyuktas* possibly find mention in the Kaliṅga Edicts. In the early Post-Mauryan and Scythian Age Āyuttas appear as village officials.⁸ In the Gupta Age they figure as officers in charge of *Vishayas* or districts,¹ and also as functionaries employed in restoring the wealth of conquered kings. The full designation of the officers in question was *Āyukta-Purusha*.² They may have been included under the generic name of *Pulisā* referred to above. The *Kāranakas* who appear to be mentioned in the Yerraguḍi copy of Aśoka's Minor Rock Edict, probably refer to judicial officers, teachers, or scribes.³