Ganga Administration | Odisha State PSC (OPSC): Preparation - OPSC OCS (Odisha) PDF Download

 Page 1


 
 
 
 
 
  
Introduction  
In order to give stabilisation and consolidation to the vast empire, the Gangas introduced 
a well organised administrative system. Chodaganga being a foreigner to this alien land could 
very well realise his duty towards the people of Odisha. The Gangas devoted themselves for the 
material prosperity of their subjects by executing various humanitarian and welfare projects. This 
made them popular among his Odishan subjects.  
 Ganga Administration 
The Gangas had a vast kingdom stretching from the Ganges in the north to Godavari in 
the south. The four hundred years unbroken rule of the Gangas gave a good opportunity for them 
to give good administration to the subjects of the Ganga dynasty.  
Concept of kingship 
They had a superior conception of kingship. They intended at realising the Kautilyan idea 
of providing Yogakshema to their subjects. They sought to work out the principle that the king 
must be learned, ideal, efficient and capable of upholding justice and promoting the welfare of 
the people. As the records of the Ganga rule show, kings like Vajrahasta-I, Anantavarman 
Chodagangadeva, Ananqabhirnadeva-lll, Narasimhadeva-I, and Bhanudeva-I were wise, 
benevolent and accomplished rulers. They were all well-versed in the canons of religion and 
statecraft. The Ganga kings assumed high sounding titles like 'Maharaja, Maharajadhiraja, 
Parama Mahesvara, Paramabhattaraka, Trikalingadhipati, Paramavaisnava, Chakravarti, 
Gajapati, etc. They ruled the country in accordance with the principles laid down in the Niti and 
Smriti texts. They looked after the material prosperity and spiritual well-being of their subjects. 
Undoubtedly, the aim of the kings was the fulfilment of the desire of their subjects. 
Power of the king 
The king was the pivot of the government. Among the powers of the king, appointment 
of ministers, imposition of taxes, exemption of the subjects from taxes, building of temples, 
Page 2


 
 
 
 
 
  
Introduction  
In order to give stabilisation and consolidation to the vast empire, the Gangas introduced 
a well organised administrative system. Chodaganga being a foreigner to this alien land could 
very well realise his duty towards the people of Odisha. The Gangas devoted themselves for the 
material prosperity of their subjects by executing various humanitarian and welfare projects. This 
made them popular among his Odishan subjects.  
 Ganga Administration 
The Gangas had a vast kingdom stretching from the Ganges in the north to Godavari in 
the south. The four hundred years unbroken rule of the Gangas gave a good opportunity for them 
to give good administration to the subjects of the Ganga dynasty.  
Concept of kingship 
They had a superior conception of kingship. They intended at realising the Kautilyan idea 
of providing Yogakshema to their subjects. They sought to work out the principle that the king 
must be learned, ideal, efficient and capable of upholding justice and promoting the welfare of 
the people. As the records of the Ganga rule show, kings like Vajrahasta-I, Anantavarman 
Chodagangadeva, Ananqabhirnadeva-lll, Narasimhadeva-I, and Bhanudeva-I were wise, 
benevolent and accomplished rulers. They were all well-versed in the canons of religion and 
statecraft. The Ganga kings assumed high sounding titles like 'Maharaja, Maharajadhiraja, 
Parama Mahesvara, Paramabhattaraka, Trikalingadhipati, Paramavaisnava, Chakravarti, 
Gajapati, etc. They ruled the country in accordance with the principles laid down in the Niti and 
Smriti texts. They looked after the material prosperity and spiritual well-being of their subjects. 
Undoubtedly, the aim of the kings was the fulfilment of the desire of their subjects. 
Power of the king 
The king was the pivot of the government. Among the powers of the king, appointment 
of ministers, imposition of taxes, exemption of the subjects from taxes, building of temples, 
 
declaration of war and conclusion of peace, grant of lands to Brahmins, conduction of tours to 
different parts of the empire to acquaint with the problems of the subjects etc. were important. 
Council of ministers 
 Though the king was the supreme head of the government, during the Ganga period, he 
exercised his authority in consultation with the council of ministers. The Ganga kings were 
assisted by several officials like Mantri, Purohita, Yuvaraja, Sandhivigrahika, Senapati, 
Dauvarika etc. In general, the ministers were called Patra-Samantas. The revenue minister was 
designated as 'Mahapatra. The minister in charge of war and peace and foreign affairs was 
known as Sandhivigrahika. 
Division of the empire   
 For the administrative convenience the Gangas divided the empire into a number of 
Mahamandalas (greater provinces). The administrator of a Mahamandala was designated as 
Mahamandalika (governor in chief). A Mahamandala was divided into a number of Mandalas 
(provinces). Every Mandala was under the charge of a Mandalika (governor). Further, a 
Mandala consisted of Vishayas or Bhogas (districts). A Vishaya or Bhoga was in charge of a 
Vishayapati or Bhaugika. A Vishaya or Bhoga consisted of anumber of gramas (villages). Each 
village was under the charge of a gramika. 
Powerful army 
  The Ganga emperors maintained their rule over an extensive territory with the help of a 
powerful army. The Ganga rulers themselves were great warriors. The following designations of 
their army commanders are mentioned in the Ganga inscription – Sakata batapati (Supreme 
Commander of armed forces), Senadhyaksa (Commander-in-Chief), Senapati, Dalapati and 
Vahinipati. The army men could be recruited from all the four varnas - Brahmana,  Kshatriya , 
Vaishya and Shudra. The army consisted of three wings elephantry, cavalry and infantry. 
Elephants were particularly used for striking terror in the heart of the enemies. The soldiers used 
various types of weapons in the wars, such as sword, dagger, shield, spear, mace, and bows etc.  
Taxes , Land settlement and Land revenue 
During the Ganga period the revenue system was sound. A variety of taxes like bheta, 
Voda, Paika, Ohour, Paridarsana etc. were being collected as is gleaned from the Ganga 
inscriptions. Land revenue was the major source of income for the Ganga government. One-sixth 
Page 3


 
 
 
 
 
  
Introduction  
In order to give stabilisation and consolidation to the vast empire, the Gangas introduced 
a well organised administrative system. Chodaganga being a foreigner to this alien land could 
very well realise his duty towards the people of Odisha. The Gangas devoted themselves for the 
material prosperity of their subjects by executing various humanitarian and welfare projects. This 
made them popular among his Odishan subjects.  
 Ganga Administration 
The Gangas had a vast kingdom stretching from the Ganges in the north to Godavari in 
the south. The four hundred years unbroken rule of the Gangas gave a good opportunity for them 
to give good administration to the subjects of the Ganga dynasty.  
Concept of kingship 
They had a superior conception of kingship. They intended at realising the Kautilyan idea 
of providing Yogakshema to their subjects. They sought to work out the principle that the king 
must be learned, ideal, efficient and capable of upholding justice and promoting the welfare of 
the people. As the records of the Ganga rule show, kings like Vajrahasta-I, Anantavarman 
Chodagangadeva, Ananqabhirnadeva-lll, Narasimhadeva-I, and Bhanudeva-I were wise, 
benevolent and accomplished rulers. They were all well-versed in the canons of religion and 
statecraft. The Ganga kings assumed high sounding titles like 'Maharaja, Maharajadhiraja, 
Parama Mahesvara, Paramabhattaraka, Trikalingadhipati, Paramavaisnava, Chakravarti, 
Gajapati, etc. They ruled the country in accordance with the principles laid down in the Niti and 
Smriti texts. They looked after the material prosperity and spiritual well-being of their subjects. 
Undoubtedly, the aim of the kings was the fulfilment of the desire of their subjects. 
Power of the king 
The king was the pivot of the government. Among the powers of the king, appointment 
of ministers, imposition of taxes, exemption of the subjects from taxes, building of temples, 
 
declaration of war and conclusion of peace, grant of lands to Brahmins, conduction of tours to 
different parts of the empire to acquaint with the problems of the subjects etc. were important. 
Council of ministers 
 Though the king was the supreme head of the government, during the Ganga period, he 
exercised his authority in consultation with the council of ministers. The Ganga kings were 
assisted by several officials like Mantri, Purohita, Yuvaraja, Sandhivigrahika, Senapati, 
Dauvarika etc. In general, the ministers were called Patra-Samantas. The revenue minister was 
designated as 'Mahapatra. The minister in charge of war and peace and foreign affairs was 
known as Sandhivigrahika. 
Division of the empire   
 For the administrative convenience the Gangas divided the empire into a number of 
Mahamandalas (greater provinces). The administrator of a Mahamandala was designated as 
Mahamandalika (governor in chief). A Mahamandala was divided into a number of Mandalas 
(provinces). Every Mandala was under the charge of a Mandalika (governor). Further, a 
Mandala consisted of Vishayas or Bhogas (districts). A Vishaya or Bhoga was in charge of a 
Vishayapati or Bhaugika. A Vishaya or Bhoga consisted of anumber of gramas (villages). Each 
village was under the charge of a gramika. 
Powerful army 
  The Ganga emperors maintained their rule over an extensive territory with the help of a 
powerful army. The Ganga rulers themselves were great warriors. The following designations of 
their army commanders are mentioned in the Ganga inscription – Sakata batapati (Supreme 
Commander of armed forces), Senadhyaksa (Commander-in-Chief), Senapati, Dalapati and 
Vahinipati. The army men could be recruited from all the four varnas - Brahmana,  Kshatriya , 
Vaishya and Shudra. The army consisted of three wings elephantry, cavalry and infantry. 
Elephants were particularly used for striking terror in the heart of the enemies. The soldiers used 
various types of weapons in the wars, such as sword, dagger, shield, spear, mace, and bows etc.  
Taxes , Land settlement and Land revenue 
During the Ganga period the revenue system was sound. A variety of taxes like bheta, 
Voda, Paika, Ohour, Paridarsana etc. were being collected as is gleaned from the Ganga 
inscriptions. Land revenue was the major source of income for the Ganga government. One-sixth 
 
of the production of the land was collected as the land revenue. According to the land settlement, 
undertaken by Anangabhimadeva-1I1 of the Ganga dynasty had 9,49,60,000 acres of cultivable 
land in Odisha during his rule. Out of this amount of the total cultivable land 4,63,00,000 acres 
of land were tax-free lands, donated to the temples, Brahmanas, royal servants and others. The 
Ganga rulers donated lands, with all proprietary rights. Taxes were collected by the Ganga 
monarchs from 4,86,00,000 acres of undonated lands. Besides land revenue other sources of 
income for the state were duties on exports, imports and forest products and fines, court fees, salt 
tax etc. 
Conclusion 
   Thus, the above fact shows that the Ganga kings were benevolent despots who always 
looked after the welfare of the people. They were also great patrons of art, architecture and 
literature. In fact, by their unbroken rule around four hundred years, they projected a well-
organised political set up which guided the future rulers of the Suryavamsi Ganapati dynasty and 
after. Undoubtedly, the Ganga administration brought peace, tranquility and stability to the 
people of Odisha for four centuries which is unparalled in the administrative history of Ganga 
dynasty. 
Summary 

 In order to give stabilisation and consolidation to the vast empire, the Gangas introduced 
a well organised administrative system. 

 The Gangas devoted themselves for the material prosperity of his subjects by executing 
various humanitarian and welfare projects. 

 The four hundred years unbroken rule of the Gangas gave a good opportunity for them to 
give good administration to the subjects of the Ganga dynasty. 

 They had a superior conception of kingship. They intended at realising the Kautilyan idea 
of providing Yogakshema to their subjects.  

 They sought to work out the principle that the king must be learned, ideal, efficient and 
capable of upholding justice and promoting the welfare of the people. 

 As the records of the Ganga rule show, kings like Vajrahasta-I, Anantavarman 
Chodagangadeva, Ananqabhirnadeva-lll, Narasimhadeva-I, and Bhanudeva-I were wise, 
benevolent and accomplished rulers. 

 The king was the pivot of the government.  
Page 4


 
 
 
 
 
  
Introduction  
In order to give stabilisation and consolidation to the vast empire, the Gangas introduced 
a well organised administrative system. Chodaganga being a foreigner to this alien land could 
very well realise his duty towards the people of Odisha. The Gangas devoted themselves for the 
material prosperity of their subjects by executing various humanitarian and welfare projects. This 
made them popular among his Odishan subjects.  
 Ganga Administration 
The Gangas had a vast kingdom stretching from the Ganges in the north to Godavari in 
the south. The four hundred years unbroken rule of the Gangas gave a good opportunity for them 
to give good administration to the subjects of the Ganga dynasty.  
Concept of kingship 
They had a superior conception of kingship. They intended at realising the Kautilyan idea 
of providing Yogakshema to their subjects. They sought to work out the principle that the king 
must be learned, ideal, efficient and capable of upholding justice and promoting the welfare of 
the people. As the records of the Ganga rule show, kings like Vajrahasta-I, Anantavarman 
Chodagangadeva, Ananqabhirnadeva-lll, Narasimhadeva-I, and Bhanudeva-I were wise, 
benevolent and accomplished rulers. They were all well-versed in the canons of religion and 
statecraft. The Ganga kings assumed high sounding titles like 'Maharaja, Maharajadhiraja, 
Parama Mahesvara, Paramabhattaraka, Trikalingadhipati, Paramavaisnava, Chakravarti, 
Gajapati, etc. They ruled the country in accordance with the principles laid down in the Niti and 
Smriti texts. They looked after the material prosperity and spiritual well-being of their subjects. 
Undoubtedly, the aim of the kings was the fulfilment of the desire of their subjects. 
Power of the king 
The king was the pivot of the government. Among the powers of the king, appointment 
of ministers, imposition of taxes, exemption of the subjects from taxes, building of temples, 
 
declaration of war and conclusion of peace, grant of lands to Brahmins, conduction of tours to 
different parts of the empire to acquaint with the problems of the subjects etc. were important. 
Council of ministers 
 Though the king was the supreme head of the government, during the Ganga period, he 
exercised his authority in consultation with the council of ministers. The Ganga kings were 
assisted by several officials like Mantri, Purohita, Yuvaraja, Sandhivigrahika, Senapati, 
Dauvarika etc. In general, the ministers were called Patra-Samantas. The revenue minister was 
designated as 'Mahapatra. The minister in charge of war and peace and foreign affairs was 
known as Sandhivigrahika. 
Division of the empire   
 For the administrative convenience the Gangas divided the empire into a number of 
Mahamandalas (greater provinces). The administrator of a Mahamandala was designated as 
Mahamandalika (governor in chief). A Mahamandala was divided into a number of Mandalas 
(provinces). Every Mandala was under the charge of a Mandalika (governor). Further, a 
Mandala consisted of Vishayas or Bhogas (districts). A Vishaya or Bhoga was in charge of a 
Vishayapati or Bhaugika. A Vishaya or Bhoga consisted of anumber of gramas (villages). Each 
village was under the charge of a gramika. 
Powerful army 
  The Ganga emperors maintained their rule over an extensive territory with the help of a 
powerful army. The Ganga rulers themselves were great warriors. The following designations of 
their army commanders are mentioned in the Ganga inscription – Sakata batapati (Supreme 
Commander of armed forces), Senadhyaksa (Commander-in-Chief), Senapati, Dalapati and 
Vahinipati. The army men could be recruited from all the four varnas - Brahmana,  Kshatriya , 
Vaishya and Shudra. The army consisted of three wings elephantry, cavalry and infantry. 
Elephants were particularly used for striking terror in the heart of the enemies. The soldiers used 
various types of weapons in the wars, such as sword, dagger, shield, spear, mace, and bows etc.  
Taxes , Land settlement and Land revenue 
During the Ganga period the revenue system was sound. A variety of taxes like bheta, 
Voda, Paika, Ohour, Paridarsana etc. were being collected as is gleaned from the Ganga 
inscriptions. Land revenue was the major source of income for the Ganga government. One-sixth 
 
of the production of the land was collected as the land revenue. According to the land settlement, 
undertaken by Anangabhimadeva-1I1 of the Ganga dynasty had 9,49,60,000 acres of cultivable 
land in Odisha during his rule. Out of this amount of the total cultivable land 4,63,00,000 acres 
of land were tax-free lands, donated to the temples, Brahmanas, royal servants and others. The 
Ganga rulers donated lands, with all proprietary rights. Taxes were collected by the Ganga 
monarchs from 4,86,00,000 acres of undonated lands. Besides land revenue other sources of 
income for the state were duties on exports, imports and forest products and fines, court fees, salt 
tax etc. 
Conclusion 
   Thus, the above fact shows that the Ganga kings were benevolent despots who always 
looked after the welfare of the people. They were also great patrons of art, architecture and 
literature. In fact, by their unbroken rule around four hundred years, they projected a well-
organised political set up which guided the future rulers of the Suryavamsi Ganapati dynasty and 
after. Undoubtedly, the Ganga administration brought peace, tranquility and stability to the 
people of Odisha for four centuries which is unparalled in the administrative history of Ganga 
dynasty. 
Summary 

 In order to give stabilisation and consolidation to the vast empire, the Gangas introduced 
a well organised administrative system. 

 The Gangas devoted themselves for the material prosperity of his subjects by executing 
various humanitarian and welfare projects. 

 The four hundred years unbroken rule of the Gangas gave a good opportunity for them to 
give good administration to the subjects of the Ganga dynasty. 

 They had a superior conception of kingship. They intended at realising the Kautilyan idea 
of providing Yogakshema to their subjects.  

 They sought to work out the principle that the king must be learned, ideal, efficient and 
capable of upholding justice and promoting the welfare of the people. 

 As the records of the Ganga rule show, kings like Vajrahasta-I, Anantavarman 
Chodagangadeva, Ananqabhirnadeva-lll, Narasimhadeva-I, and Bhanudeva-I were wise, 
benevolent and accomplished rulers. 

 The king was the pivot of the government.  
 

 Among the powers of the king, appointment of ministers, imposition of taxes, exemption 
of the subjects from taxes, building of temples, declaration of war and conclusion of 
peace, grant of lands to Brahmins, etc. were prominent. 

 Though the king was the supreme head of the government, during the Ganga period, he 
exercised his authority in consultation with the council of ministers.  

 The Ganga kings were assisted by several officials like Mantri, Purohita, Yuvaraja, 
Sandhivigrahika, Senapati, Dauvarika etc. 

 For the administrative convenience the Gangas divided the empire into a number of 
Mahamandalas (greater provinces). 

 The Ganga emperors maintained their rule over an extensive territory with the help of a 
powerful army. 

 . The army men could be recruited from all the four varnas - Brahmana,  Kshatriya , 
Vaishya and Shudra. 

  The army consisted of three wings elephantry, cavalry and infantry. 

 During the Ganga period the revenue system was sound.  

 A variety of taxes like bheta, Voda, Paika, Ohour, Paridarsana etc. were being collected 
as is gleaned from the Ganga inscriptions. 

 One-sixth of the production of the land was collected as the land revenue.  

 According to the land settlement, undertaken by Anangabhimadeva-1I1 of the Ganga 
dynasty had 9,49,60,000 acres of cultivable land in Odisha during his rule. 

 Besides land revenue other sources of income for the state were duties on exports, 
imports and forest products and fines, court fees, salt tax etc. 
Exercise 
 Give an account on the Ganga administration. 
 Discuss the different aspects of the administrative system of the Ganga dynasty. 
 Write a short note on the concept of kingship during the Ganga period. 
 Describe the administrative policies of the Ganga rulers.