Public Administration in Ancient India c8.40

c8.40

A few words may here be said about a form of government which came into existence towards the end of the Hindu period of Indian history. This system prevailed among the Rajputs, and was pre-eminently a martial system. It had some analogies with the Feudal Monarchy of Europe in the Middle Ages. How it came into existence we do not exactly know, but it seems that during the turmoil of the eighth and ninth centuries A.D., the Rajput clans made themselves masters of some parts of the country. The leader of the clan became the owner of the conquered land, and divided it among his followers as a reward for military services. All vassals held land from the Prince on condition of military service and fidelity. The chief vassals formed the Great Council of the King, and were summoned on important occasions, generally for military purposes. The Prince, with the aid of his Civil Council and the Ministers of the Crown, conducted the central administration and promulgated all legislative enactments which affected the rights and interests of the entire community. In the Crown Demesnes justice was administered by Chabootaras (Terraces of Justice). Local Government was in the hands of the chiefs, who were assisted by their domestic councils composed of the greater sub-vassals, the Pradhān (Premier), the Mayor of the household, the priest, the bard, and two or three of the most intelligent citizens. The chiefs administered their own justice, and in the internal administration of the chiefs' estates, the government officers seldom interfered. Besides, each town and village had its own council or chotia elected by the citizens, who helped the Nagarseth (City Magistrate) and the village headman in the discharge of their local duties.¹