Indian Epigraphical Glossary c6.3214

c6.3214

Mahāmātra (IE 8-3), cf. Prakrit Mahāmāta (EI 3); a high executive officer employed in various capacities; cf. Nagara-vyavahārika-mahāmātra, Stryadhyakṣa-mahāmātra, Dharma-mahāmātra, etc.; adopted in Greek as Mamátrai. See CII, Vol. I, p. 92, etc.; Arthaśāstra, I. 12, V. 1; etc.; Kāmasūtra, V. 5. 17. 33 and 35. The word Mahāmātra in Manu, IX. 259, is explained by Medhātithi as ‘the Mantrin, Purohita and others’ and by Kullūka as meaning ‘the professional tamers of elephants’. (SITI) explained as ‘a senior minister.’ See Mātra in a similar sense.