The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c15.75

c15.75

One of the inscriptions (Fleet, No. 55) mentions Sarvādhyakṣas, Superintendents of all, but it is not clear whether they are central or provincial officers. The Basāḍh seals mention Daṇḍapāśādhikaraṇa who is probably the chief of police. Numerous inscriptions mention Dūtaka, Dūta or Ājñādāpaka who communicates royal commands to officers and people concerned. But this office seems often to have been combined with others. In the Gupta Inscriptions the Mahāsaṃdhivigrahika generally acts as the Dūtaka. On some occasions the Dūtaka is dispensed with. The king may declare his commands to officers through his own mouth (svamukhājñā).¹