adminitration Flashcards
What titles did Gupta kings adopt to emphasize their supremacy?
Paramabhattaraka, Maharajadhiraja, Parameswara, Samrat, and Chakravartin.
Which Gupta ruler was compared to Purusha (Supreme Being) in the Allahabad inscription?
Samudragupta.
What was the role of the Kumaramatyas in the Gupta administration?
They were high-ranking officials, often close to the king, responsible for administration at different levels.
How was the Gupta Empire administratively divided?
Bhuktis (provinces) → Vishayas (districts) → Vithis (cities/towns) → Villages (Gram).
What was the role of Uparikas in the Gupta administration?
Uparikas were provincial governors appointed by the king.
Who headed the districts (Vishayas) in the Gupta Empire?
Vishyapatis, who were either appointed by the governor or directly by the king.
What was the function of the Gramadhyaksha in the Gupta administration?
He was the head of a village, responsible for local governance and tax collection.
What were guilds (Shrenis) in the Gupta administration?
Organized professional bodies that managed trade, commerce, and urban administration.
What kind of feudal system emerged during the Gupta period?
Feudatory chiefs (Samantas) held land and had obligations like paying tribute and serving the king.
What was the title used for a provincial governor in the Gupta administration?
Lokpala.
What was the function of the Sandhivigrahaka in the Gupta administration?
Minister responsible for foreign affairs, war, and peace.
What title was given to the commander-in-chief of the Gupta army?
Mahabaladhikrita or Mahadandanayaka.
What was the significance of the Mehrauli Iron Pillar inscription in Gupta history?
It mentions the extensive conquests of Chandragupta II.
What type of land grants were given to Brahmins during the Gupta period?
Agrahara grants (hereditary, tax-free land grants).
What tax was levied on cultivators in the Gupta period?
Bhaga, which was usually one-sixth of the produce.
What was Vishti in the Gupta taxation system?
Forced labor tax imposed on villagers.
What was Uparikara in the Gupta taxation system?
An extra tax imposed on the villagers.
What was the role of the Akshapataladhikrita in the Gupta administration?
Keeper of royal records.
How did the Gupta kings maintain military strength?
They had a standing army, supplemented by the forces of feudatories.
What military innovations did the Guptas adopt from the Kushans?
Use of saddles, reins, buttoned coats, trousers, and boots for cavalry.
What was the role of the Ranabhandagar-Adhikarana in the Gupta army?
It was the office of the military storehouse.
What were the two major tax categories during the Gupta period?
Bhaga (land tax) and Kara (additional tax on villagers).
What type of judicial system existed under the Guptas?
Civil and criminal law were clearly demarcated, with property disputes under civil law and theft/adultery under criminal law.
How did guilds (Shrenis) function in the judicial system?
They governed themselves and had the authority to punish members for violations.
What was the primary source of information on Gupta administration?
Inscriptions such as the Allahabad pillar inscription and the Damodarpur copper plates.
What was the significance of the Damodarpur copper plates in Gupta administration?
They mention the appointment of officials and grant of lands.
How did the Gupta Empire manage trade?
Through regulated internal and external trade, supported by safe road networks and seaports.
What was the function of Saulkika in the Gupta administration?
Collector of customs and tolls.
Which Chinese traveler visited India during Chandragupta II’s reign and provided insights into Gupta administration?
Fa Hien.
What was the role of the Dandapashika in the Gupta administration?
Chief officer of the police department.
