The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c15.85

c15.85

The Dâmodarpur Copper Plates indicate that the king appointed provincial governors and that the latter selected Viṣayapatis or heads of districts. The Sûrat Plates of Vyâghrasena, of the year 490-91 A.D., indicate that âhâra was another name for Viṣaya.¹ In a slightly later record, the Copper Plate Grant of Budhagupta, an Âyukta is mentioned as a Viṣayapati.² It seems to imply that an inferior officer had risen by merit or favour to the headship of a district. A district officer had his Adhiṣṭhâna or headquarters in a town. In the Adhiṣṭhâna he had his Adhikaraṇa—office and probably court. He had a large secretariat, consisting of Kâyasthas or scribes, headed by the Prathama Kâyastha. It seems he was expected to maintain close touch with important sections of the people. The Dâmodarpur Copper Plate Inscriptions seem to refer to a sort of advisory council which included a Nagaraśreṣṭhin, a principal citizen; Prathamakulika, representing the craft-guilds, and Sârthavâha, probably representing the trade-guilds