The Ancient Government of India

By the beginning of the Vedic age, in India, people started joining groups. Every group had its own leader or king. By the 6^th century BC, there were 16 Kingdoms, in India.

The Symbol of the Indian Government

Also, small republics started to emerge. Elements of democracy, appear in their administration. The head, raja or the king, was the superior, when it comes to giving the final word. He had his own advisers, for example the members of the council. Raja, was the only one, that can point and choose, the ministers and officials for the administration, or relive them of their duty, if needed.

Then came the Mauryan period. It was known, as the period, when civil and military officials, came to ruling. Their salary was good, and the payment was in cash, as the highest official was paid the 48 000 panas per year, which is big payment for that age. For example, the hard working soldiers were paid only 500 panas. By the end of the Mauryan, details were found, of clerks or low-ranked official of the administration, were given the job of collecting taxes and custom duties. Also, a delicate spying system was develop, and became important matter, of the administration. Royal agents, became the king's secret weapon, against secret developments. The emerged Indian empire, was divided into provinces, and each of them, had their own governor and council. Departments were made, to make important decisions, that have direct influence on the administration. The army was controlled, by specially chosen committees, from the king.

By the Gupta period, the structure of the administration was the same as the one from the Mauryan age, but it was far more good. The only known difference, was the centralization and decentralization of the administration. For example in the Gupta, the governor for each province was more independent, unlike the governors from the age of Mauryan. The Gupta period was known, as the greatest period, for the ancient Government of India.