Rashtrakuta Administration [753-982 CE]

Rastrakuta Dynasty at a Glance

Monarchical Succession

• Hereditary Rule:
  • While the crown typically passed through hereditary lines, the Rashtrakutas did not always favor the eldest son. Instead, they valued the abilities and potential of candidates. This is exemplified by the crowning of Govinda III, who was the third son of King Dhruva Dharavarsha.

Administrative Hierarchy

• Chief Minister (Mahasandhivigrahi):
  • The most significant position under the king was the Chief Minister (Mahasandhivigrahi). His position was marked by five insignia: a flag, a conch, a fan, a white umbrella, and a large drum with five musical instruments called Panchamahashabdas.
• Other Key Ministers:
  • Commander (Dandanayaka): Responsible for the army and military strategy.
  • Foreign Minister (Mahakshapataladhikrita): Managed diplomatic relations and foreign affairs.
  • Prime Minister (Mahamatya or Purnamathya): Served as a senior advisor and administrator, often from the ranks of the feudatory kings.
• Feudatories and Regional Governors:
  • Mahasamantha: High-ranking regal officer or feudatory.
  • All ministers were well-versed in political science (Rajneeti) and had military training.
• Women in Administration:
  • Women occasionally held significant administrative roles, such as Revakanimaddi, daughter of Amoghavarsha I, who managed Edathore Vishaya.

Provincial and Local Governance

• Division of the Kingdom:
  • The empire was divided into large provinces called ‘Mandala’ or ‘Rashtras’. Amoghavarsha I’s empire comprised sixteen Rashtras.
• Provincial Governance:
  • A Rashtrapathi (provincial governor) usually managed a Rashtra and was sometimes the emperor himself.
  • Often multiple Rashtras were governed by a minister. For instance, Bankesha, a commander under Amoghavarsha I, managed several Rashtras, including Banavasi with 12,000 villages.
• District and Local Administration:
  • Below the Rashtra was the Vishaya (district), overseen by a Vishayapathi.
  • Further divisions included the Nadu, managed by a Nadugowda or Nadugavunda, and the Grama (village), governed by a Gramapathi or Prabhu Gavunda.
  • Some officials, such as the Nadugowda, could be hereditary or centrally appointed.

Military Organization

• Standing Army and Cantonment:
  • The Rashtrakuta army consisted of large contingents of infantry, horsemen, and elephants. A standing army was always ready for war, stationed in a cantonment (Sthirabhuta Kataka) in the capital, Manyakheta.
• Feudatory Armies:
  • Feudatory kings maintained large armies and were expected to contribute to the empire’s defense during wartime.
  • Officials and chieftains also served as commanders, with their postings transferable as needed.

Economic Administration and Coinage

• Coin Minting and Currency:
  • The Rashtrakutas issued various coins minted in an Akkashale (mint). The coins included:
    • Suvarna and Drammas in silver and gold (65 grains).
    • Kalanju (48 grains), Gadyanaka (96 grains).
    • Kasu (15 grains), Manjati (2.5 grains), and Akkam (1.25 grains).
  • These coins facilitated trade and economic transactions throughout the empire.

Read More: Rashtrakuta Empire

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