The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c20.35

c20.35

Twenty-one Copper-plates of the kings of Kanauj ranging from the second to the seventh decade of the 12th century A.D. throughout mention the three grand titles and indicate the same feudal system. They show that Pattalâ was one of the divisions of local government and comprised a number of villages. The clerks were all called Kâyasthas. All the foregoing taxes are here with a few additions. Besides the Turuṣkadaṇḍa there is the Kumâragadiaṇaka and Pravaṇikara, rather obscure (which occur in many other grants), Gokara, probably a tax on the increase of cattle and Jâtakara. Any or all of the taxes might be alienated to the grantees.¹ Five Copper-plate Inscriptions of Govindacandra² and two later Copper-plate Grants of Jayacandra of Kanauj,³ all belonging to the 12th century A.D., mention all the above officers and state dues. Some other inscriptions of Kanauj kings repeat the same.⁴ Six Copper-plates of Jayacandra record grants to a Kṣatriya, an hereditary Râut and Mahâmahattaka. They prove that local dignities were often hereditary and that grants could be made to non-Brâhmaṇas as to Brâhmaṇas.⁵ The Saheth-Maheth Plate of Govindacandra is particularly interesting for its feudal indications.⁶ The Benâres Copper-plate Inscription of Karṇadeva of the year 1042 A.D. gives the usual information and is important for its clear indication of the claim of the state to the mineral products of the country.⁷