The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v1.c8.s13.6

v1.c8.s13.6

Members of the royal family like the Yuvarāja (heir-apparent) and other princes must have been entrusted with some duties in the administration, but we have no definite information on the point. Queens of reigning monarchs or princesses do not figure as administrative officers, as we find that they do in the Chālukya administration. Dowager queens, however, used to supervise and direct the administration, if the heir-apparent to the throne happened to be a minor. Prabhāvatīguptā, the widow of Rudrasena II, successfully steered the ship of state through troubled waters for a period of about twenty years. Adequate steps were taken to give proper literary and administrative training to the royal princes. Most probably Kālidāsa was one of the tutors of Pravarasena II. Contemporary records show that young princes used generally to receive special training in the military art at this time;² the same usage must have been the practice of the Vākāṭaka rulers.