The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c18.143

c18.143

The grant of Govind III (806-7 A.D.) from Nâsik district mentions the usual officers and items of revenue.⁴ In the Cambay Plates, too, Govind III, the Râṣṭrakûṭa king, has the three grand titles. His grants intended for Brâhmaṇas are communicated to Râṣṭrapatis, governors of provinces, Viṣayapatis, district officers, Grâmakûṭas, heads of villages, Mahattaras, elders of villages, and to such government servants as Yuktakas, Upayuktakas and Adhikârikas.¹ A Devagiri Inscription of about the 10th century, though spurious and unreliable for the subject of the actual grant, is valuable for a few administrative details. Here a Mahâsâmantâdhipati has the hereditary title of the “supreme lord of the town Trikunḍapura,” which was probably the capital of his territory. He enjoyed the privileges of using the Nandanavana umbrella, the horse-crest and the mirror banner—some of the signs of high feudal rank. By the way, he demands from the villagers a supply of grass for his elephants and horses while on tour.²