The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c18.150

c18.150

Some southern grants give Bhukti, Viṣaya and Maṇḍala as the successive administrative divisions. Maṇḍala would thus be the lowest subdivision above the village.¹ A few peculiarities in official designations deserve a passing notice. In Anantavarman’s Alamanda Plates, Rahasya seems to mean private secretary. The keeper of records is called Akṣaśālin.² In the Mayidavolu Plates of Śivaskandavarman, earlier than the ninth century A.D., the heir-apparent is called Yuvamahārāja. Vyāpṛita is the designation of one of the local officers.³ Two Anaimalai Inscriptions of the year 770 A.D. from near Madurā designate the chief minister as Uttaramantrin.⁴ The Konnur Spurious Inscription of Amoghavarṣa I seems to substitute Rāṣṭrapati for Viṣayapati.⁵