Governance of Gupta period: A critical analysis

Abstract

In contrast to the Mauryas, the Gupta administration was decentralised, though the king exercised all powers but then powers was also delegated to officers and lesser kings ruling all over India. Kingship was hereditary but royal powers was limited by the absence of a firm practice of primogeniture. The throne did not always go to the eldest son, this in fact created a sort of uncertainly of which the chiefs and high officers would take advantage. Unlike the Mauryas, Gupta kings adopted pompous titles such as Maharaja-dhiraja, parameshvara and paramabhattaraka which suited that they ruled over lesser kings. The empire seems to be divided into bhuktis (province). The bhuktis were divided into vishyas (districts). Gramika was the head of the village administration. In some ways their political system appears to be feudal in character.