The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c21.119

c21.119

A few salient features of the Hindu administrative structure may be briefly touched upon. Ancient India had no perception of the necessity or desirability of separation of functions. The same men wielded civil and military authority at the same time. There were, indeed, judges who were nothing else but in addition to them high executive officers performed judicial duties. Any capable officials might be appointed ambassadors. Aśoka entrusted missionary and censorial work partly to ordinary officers of state.