The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c12.164

c12.164

Below the Mahāmātras and the Lājukas stood the Yutas who worked in government offices, codified the royal commands and performed other secretarial duties. Rock Edict III requires the Pariṣad to order the Yutas to register (these rules) both with (the addition of) reasons and according to the letter.³ It seems that Yutas, too, were appointed for definite territorial areas. The Third Rock Edict requires all the Prādeśikas, Lājukas and Yutas to undertake quinquennial tours, inspect the whole of their charge and transact administrative business as well as promote Dhamma. Viruthas or Vyuṭhas also toured on business of state but their duties are not clear.¹ Besides Yutas there were a number of clerks, Lipikāras, who are mentioned in Rock Edict XIV. To departments of government were attached a number of Dūtas or messengers whose duties are obvious.²