The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c10.83

c10.83

Among the miscellaneous officers and employees at court may be mentioned the valuer of articles—of elephants, horses, precious stones, gold, etc., who valued commodities to be purchased at court (I, 124), archers (II, 87 ; V, 128), elephant-tamers (II, 221), musicians (I, 384; II, 250); dancers and singers (II, 227; IV, 324); potters, basket-makers, gardeners, barbers, cooks, etc. (I, 121, 137, 138; II, 5, 319; V, 290—92; Fick, tr. Maitra, 287—89). At least sometimes Government posts descended from father to son. A few Jâtakas (I, 349; III, 385; V, 383) imply that the post of treasurer was hereditary in a family for seven or more generations. There is mention of an hereditary senâpati (V, 210). In any case many of the higher officers were drawn from the ranks of Mahâmattas or nobles (II, 98, 125, 203, 378).