The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v1.c8.s13.25

v1.c8.s13.25

We thus get only an imperfect picture of the Vākāṭaka administration, but such evidence as we possess indicates that it was on the whole vigilant and efficient. Copper plate grants were not issued before they had been checked; each of them usually bears a certificate to this effect, as testified by the term *dṛiṣṭam* inscribed on the plate. There is evidence to show that inaccurate or unsatisfactory plates were rejected.¹ Still more interesting is it to note that even the Brāhman donees of the copper plate grants were not permitted to be a law to themselves; some of the grants expressly lay down specific conditions under which alone the grants were to be continued. First of all they and their descendants were to be loyal to the state and to offer the fullest co-operation in apprehending persons guilty of treason, theft, and immorality. They were further not to interfere with the rights of neighbouring villages.² If these conditions were not fulfilled, the state could resume the grant without any moral or spiritual compunction. Land also was carefully surveyed according to the measure determined by the state, and the requisite entries were made in the relevant records. There is no evidence to show how far the people themselves had any voice in the administration, but there can be no doubt that in the sphere of village government, at any rate, the village councils consisting of the village elders had a decisive voice.