Gupta Period:
Que. Discuss the provincial and district administrative units of the Gupta Empire with the designations and functions of the officers. [UPSC CSE-2014]
Approach:
(1) Introduction: Explain the administrative developments of the Gupta Empire.
(2) Mention the provincial and district administrative units of the Gupta Empire.
(3) Mention the other designations and functions of the officers.
(4) Explain the impact of the administrative developments of the Gupta Empire.
Introduction:
The Gupta Empire, which existed from around the 4th to the 6th century CE in the Indian subcontinent, had a well-organized administrative structure that included various provincial and district administrative units. These units were instrumental in governing the vast empire efficiently.
Provincial and District Administrative Units along with the Designations and Functions Of the Officers:
The Provincial Administration: The Gupta empire was divided into provinces known as deshas or bhuktis.
(1) Uparikas: They were the governors appointed by the king. They assumed the epithets like maharaja, bhattaraka, and rajaputra. They carried on the administration of the bhuktis. They also had military functions. They appointed head of the district administration and the district town board.
(2) Goptri: Skandagupta’s Junagarh inscription talks about Parnadatta as Goptri of Saurashtra. Perhaps it was another term for the governor.
The provincial government also played an important role in the repair of waterworks. For example: repair of sudarshana lake after it burst its embankments.
District Administration: The provinces of the Gupta empire were divided into districts known as vishyas.
(1) Vishyapati: They were head of the vishyas and were appointed by the provincial governor. They were assisted in their administrative duties by prominent members of the town like-
(i) Nagara-Sreshthin: Chief merchant/banker.
(ii) Sarthavaha: Chief caravan trader.
(iii) Prathama-Kulika: Chief artisan.
(iv) Prathama-Kyastha: Chief scribe or an officer in-charge of revenue collection.
Other Designations and Functions of the Officers:
(1) District Officers (Grama-Patika): At the local level, the smallest administrative units were the villages or Gramas. District officers, known as Grama-Patikas, were in charge of these villages. They played a crucial role in collecting taxes, maintaining local infrastructure, and settling disputes at the village level.
(2) Tax Collectors (Samaharta): Tax collectors, or Samahartas, were responsible for collecting various taxes, including land revenue and trade taxes, from the local population. They reported to the district officers.
(3) Judicial Officials (Dharmadhikrita): Judicial officials, or Dharmadhikritas, presided over local courts and were responsible for resolving legal disputes and ensuring justice at the grassroots level.
(4) Revenue Assessors (Kulika or Bhandagarika): Revenue assessors were responsible for assessing the land’s fertility and determining the appropriate amount of land revenue to be collected from farmers. They played a crucial role in the economic administration of the empire.
(5) Police Officials (Dandapashika): Police officials, or Dandapashikas, were responsible for maintaining law and order at the local level. They were tasked with apprehending criminals and ensuring public safety.
(6) Local Headmen (Gramapati): Local headmen, or Gramapatis, were often respected members of the village community. They acted as intermediaries between the local population and the district officers, helping in the smooth functioning of local administration.
Conclusion:
It’s important to note that the Gupta Empire’s administrative structure was characterized by a hierarchical system, with officials at various levels reporting to higher authorities. This system allowed for efficient governance and the collection of revenue, which played a crucial role in sustaining the empire’s prosperity. Additionally, the Gupta administration was known for its emphasis on justice, which contributed to the empire’s stability and longevity.
