A History of South India from Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar c10.13

c10.13

The Rathikas and Bhojas of the western and northern Deccan as well as the Andhras and Paradas of the eastern Deccan and the Pitenikas who have not yet been localized seem to have enjoyed a considerable measure of autonomy in their government. They could not have been independent as they are definitely described in Aśoka’s inscriptions as peoples in the king's territory. The Deccan was an important part of the Mauryan empire and contained the seats of two viceroyalties—Tosali (Dhauli), and Suvarnagiri, now called Kanakagiri, between Hampi and Maski in Hyderabad. The land was placed under *mahāmātras*, some assisting viceroys, others in charge of districts and others dispensing justice in the cities. *Antamahāmātras* were charged with defence and missionary work among backward peoples.