The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c21.101.3

c21.101.3

The facts of federal-feudalism are recognised by all and symbolised in the gradations of titles and insignia. The Gupta empire stands at the centre of ancient Indian history. All previous history flows into it; all later history issues from it. In the development of the Sanskrit drama, classical literature, Dharma Śāstra thought and Puranic compositions, it marks the decisive epoch. Under its auspices the Hindu system of administration reaches almost the limit of organic development which it was destined to undergo in the north. After the fall of the Gupta empire, the Vardhana empire alone displays any novel features of importance. Thenceforward, organic development ceases altogether; the number of state departments or officers may increase or decrease but there is no essential change, no departure in principle or policy. In the old rut the northern administration ran for five centuries until its free independent life was extinguished by the Musalmāns. It will be observed that, compared to Greek, Roman or English political development, the range of Hindu administrative evolution was very narrow. But it must be emphasised that besides the small amount of organic development, Hindu administrative practices show considerable variation from age to age and place to place.