[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [State and Government in Ancient India](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.altekar-1949) › c16.85 # State and Government in Ancient India c16.85 State and Government in Ancient India c16.85 - **Language:** English ### [c16.85](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.altekar-1949.c16.85) The enemies whom Indian states had to face usually operated with land forces; many kingdoms had no coast line at all. Navy, therefore, rarely figures in Smṛitis and inscriptions. The Mauryas had a naval force administered by a board of its own. The Vaṅgas of Bengal were knwon as a naval power to Kālidāsa,¹ and the Pālas also used to maintain a strong naval force.² Tamil states since early days had their own navies, powerful enough to protect their extensive trade with the West and the East. In the 11th centrury the Cholas had a powerful navy; which enabled them to conquer a number of islands. The Śilāhāras of Western India had also naval forces of their own. We, however, possess very little information about the organisation of the navy and its administration. - [Previous: c16.84](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.altekar-1949.c16.84) - [Next: c16.86](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.altekar-1949.c16.86) - [Up: c16](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.altekar-1949.c16) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.altekar-1949.c16.85](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.altekar-1949.c16.85) · Pramāṇa