A History of South India from Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar c11.42

c11.42

We can say, however, that the Pallava administrative system made a further advance at this time. The king adopted the additional title of bhaṭṭāraka, the heir-apparent had a recognized position, as yuvamahārāja, and the other princes continued to be employed on state affairs. Different classes of district officers are listed, though the exact nature of their functions is not known. There is evidence of strong military and police organizations and labour may have been conscripted by force. The manufacture of salt, and sometimes of sugar, was a royal monopoly, and villages were expected to maintain the king's officers free of charge when they were on tour. On the other hand, exemption of taxation was allowed on all gifts of land to Brahmins who were held, in theory at any rate, to be entitled to a total of eighteen such immunities. This is a continuation and development of Sātavāhana practice for the Pallava kings also followed the Brahminical religion, worshipped Śiva and Vishnu and performed sacrifices.