The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c17.124

c17.124

exactions. There are numerous policemen and tax-collectors in Harṣacarita. There is an interesting notice that in the course of the emperor's march through a village, the Akṣapaṭalika or keeper of records, came out with a number of karaṇis or clerks to meet the emperor, to ask for his commands and to receive a golden seal and another emblem from him.¹ Elsewhere, too, there is mention of sakalakaraniparikara which shows that many persons were associated in the administration of the village or the next higher unit of rural administration.² Drâṅgika, as before, is the town-officer who, from his designation, seems also to have performed some revenue functions. The mention of Mahattaras with him shows that the chief personages of a place were informally associated with the administration or were at least consulted by the officers. There are numerous couriers who carry messages to and fro.³ The Life of Yuan Chwang supplies an interesting touch that the emperor's letters were written on fine, white cotton stuff and sealed with red wax.⁴