The Pallava Administration | Tamil Nadu State PSC (TNPSC): Preparation - TNPSC (Tamil Nadu) PDF Download

 Page 1


7. THE PALLAVA ADMINISTRATION
Learning Objectives:
A well-organized administration had existed in the Pallava
kingdom. We get a lot of information from the literature and
inscriptions to know the various aspects of the Pallava
administration. The Pallava kings had introduced several
administrative institutions in the Tamil country. Mostly, they had
adopted the Mauryan system of administration and suitably
modified it. It can be said that generally there was peace and order
in the Pallava kingdom due to their efficient administrative system.
Administrative Divisions:
The Pallavas had a vast empire. It had extended up to the
Nellore district in the North and up to the river South Pennar in
the South. On the west, it had extended up to the Western Ghats
and on the east up to the Bay of Bengal. It was very difficult to
have administrative control over such a vast empire. Therefore,
the Pallavas had divided the empire into several administrative
units. They were called as Mandalam, Kottam, Nadu and Ur.
These administrative divisions may be compared with the modern
administrative units, namely province, district, taluk and village.
Try to know the districts in modern Tamil Nadu from
the political map.
Mandalam:
The biggest unit of the Pallava Empire was Mandalam or
Rashtra. It had remained almost an autonomous unit. The Pallava
king had appointed a prince or Yuvaraja as the governor of a
Mandalam. This was done to have direct central control over the
provinces.
Kottam:
Each Mandalam was divided into several Kottams or
Vishayas. The number of Kottams varied according to the size of
the Mandalam. For example, the Tondai Mandalam was divided
into twenty-four Kottams. Officials were appointed by the king to
administer each Kottam.
Nadu:
The next administrative unit was called Nadu. It was bigger
than Oor or village. There were several villages in each Nadu. A council
called Nattar was in charge of the administration of Nadu.
Oor:
The Oor or village was the smallest unit of the Pallava
administration. It was also under the control of the village
62
Page 2


7. THE PALLAVA ADMINISTRATION
Learning Objectives:
A well-organized administration had existed in the Pallava
kingdom. We get a lot of information from the literature and
inscriptions to know the various aspects of the Pallava
administration. The Pallava kings had introduced several
administrative institutions in the Tamil country. Mostly, they had
adopted the Mauryan system of administration and suitably
modified it. It can be said that generally there was peace and order
in the Pallava kingdom due to their efficient administrative system.
Administrative Divisions:
The Pallavas had a vast empire. It had extended up to the
Nellore district in the North and up to the river South Pennar in
the South. On the west, it had extended up to the Western Ghats
and on the east up to the Bay of Bengal. It was very difficult to
have administrative control over such a vast empire. Therefore,
the Pallavas had divided the empire into several administrative
units. They were called as Mandalam, Kottam, Nadu and Ur.
These administrative divisions may be compared with the modern
administrative units, namely province, district, taluk and village.
Try to know the districts in modern Tamil Nadu from
the political map.
Mandalam:
The biggest unit of the Pallava Empire was Mandalam or
Rashtra. It had remained almost an autonomous unit. The Pallava
king had appointed a prince or Yuvaraja as the governor of a
Mandalam. This was done to have direct central control over the
provinces.
Kottam:
Each Mandalam was divided into several Kottams or
Vishayas. The number of Kottams varied according to the size of
the Mandalam. For example, the Tondai Mandalam was divided
into twenty-four Kottams. Officials were appointed by the king to
administer each Kottam.
Nadu:
The next administrative unit was called Nadu. It was bigger
than Oor or village. There were several villages in each Nadu. A council
called Nattar was in charge of the administration of Nadu.
Oor:
The Oor or village was the smallest unit of the Pallava
administration. It was also under the control of the village
62
7. THE PALLAVA ADMINISTRATION
Learning Objectives:
A well-organized administration had existed in the Pallava
kingdom. We get a lot of information from the literature and
inscriptions to know the various aspects of the Pallava
administration. The Pallava kings had introduced several
administrative institutions in the Tamil country. Mostly, they had
adopted the Mauryan system of administration and suitably
modified it. It can be said that generally there was peace and order
in the Pallava kingdom due to their efficient administrative system.
Administrative Divisions:
The Pallavas had a vast empire. It had extended up to the
Nellore district in the North and up to the river South Pennar in
the South. On the west, it had extended up to the Western Ghats
and on the east up to the Bay of Bengal. It was very difficult to
have administrative control over such a vast empire. Therefore,
the Pallavas had divided the empire into several administrative
units. They were called as Mandalam, Kottam, Nadu and Ur.
These administrative divisions may be compared with the modern
administrative units, namely province, district, taluk and village.
Try to know the districts in modern Tamil Nadu from
the political map.
Mandalam:
The biggest unit of the Pallava Empire was Mandalam or
Rashtra. It had remained almost an autonomous unit. The Pallava
king had appointed a prince or Yuvaraja as the governor of a
Mandalam. This was done to have direct central control over the
provinces.
Kottam:
Each Mandalam was divided into several Kottams or
Vishayas. The number of Kottams varied according to the size of
the Mandalam. For example, the Tondai Mandalam was divided
into twenty-four Kottams. Officials were appointed by the king to
administer each Kottam.
Nadu:
The next administrative unit was called Nadu. It was bigger
than Oor or village. There were several villages in each Nadu. A council
called Nattar was in charge of the administration of Nadu.
Oor:
The Oor or village was the smallest unit of the Pallava
administration. It was also under the control of the village
62
Page 3


7. THE PALLAVA ADMINISTRATION
Learning Objectives:
A well-organized administration had existed in the Pallava
kingdom. We get a lot of information from the literature and
inscriptions to know the various aspects of the Pallava
administration. The Pallava kings had introduced several
administrative institutions in the Tamil country. Mostly, they had
adopted the Mauryan system of administration and suitably
modified it. It can be said that generally there was peace and order
in the Pallava kingdom due to their efficient administrative system.
Administrative Divisions:
The Pallavas had a vast empire. It had extended up to the
Nellore district in the North and up to the river South Pennar in
the South. On the west, it had extended up to the Western Ghats
and on the east up to the Bay of Bengal. It was very difficult to
have administrative control over such a vast empire. Therefore,
the Pallavas had divided the empire into several administrative
units. They were called as Mandalam, Kottam, Nadu and Ur.
These administrative divisions may be compared with the modern
administrative units, namely province, district, taluk and village.
Try to know the districts in modern Tamil Nadu from
the political map.
Mandalam:
The biggest unit of the Pallava Empire was Mandalam or
Rashtra. It had remained almost an autonomous unit. The Pallava
king had appointed a prince or Yuvaraja as the governor of a
Mandalam. This was done to have direct central control over the
provinces.
Kottam:
Each Mandalam was divided into several Kottams or
Vishayas. The number of Kottams varied according to the size of
the Mandalam. For example, the Tondai Mandalam was divided
into twenty-four Kottams. Officials were appointed by the king to
administer each Kottam.
Nadu:
The next administrative unit was called Nadu. It was bigger
than Oor or village. There were several villages in each Nadu. A council
called Nattar was in charge of the administration of Nadu.
Oor:
The Oor or village was the smallest unit of the Pallava
administration. It was also under the control of the village
62
7. THE PALLAVA ADMINISTRATION
Learning Objectives:
A well-organized administration had existed in the Pallava
kingdom. We get a lot of information from the literature and
inscriptions to know the various aspects of the Pallava
administration. The Pallava kings had introduced several
administrative institutions in the Tamil country. Mostly, they had
adopted the Mauryan system of administration and suitably
modified it. It can be said that generally there was peace and order
in the Pallava kingdom due to their efficient administrative system.
Administrative Divisions:
The Pallavas had a vast empire. It had extended up to the
Nellore district in the North and up to the river South Pennar in
the South. On the west, it had extended up to the Western Ghats
and on the east up to the Bay of Bengal. It was very difficult to
have administrative control over such a vast empire. Therefore,
the Pallavas had divided the empire into several administrative
units. They were called as Mandalam, Kottam, Nadu and Ur.
These administrative divisions may be compared with the modern
administrative units, namely province, district, taluk and village.
Try to know the districts in modern Tamil Nadu from
the political map.
Mandalam:
The biggest unit of the Pallava Empire was Mandalam or
Rashtra. It had remained almost an autonomous unit. The Pallava
king had appointed a prince or Yuvaraja as the governor of a
Mandalam. This was done to have direct central control over the
provinces.
Kottam:
Each Mandalam was divided into several Kottams or
Vishayas. The number of Kottams varied according to the size of
the Mandalam. For example, the Tondai Mandalam was divided
into twenty-four Kottams. Officials were appointed by the king to
administer each Kottam.
Nadu:
The next administrative unit was called Nadu. It was bigger
than Oor or village. There were several villages in each Nadu. A council
called Nattar was in charge of the administration of Nadu.
Oor:
The Oor or village was the smallest unit of the Pallava
administration. It was also under the control of the village
62
committees called Sabhas. The village Sabha remained almost
autonomous in looking after the day-to-day administration of the
village.
Central Government:
Monarchy:
The Pallavas had followed the system of monarchy. The king
was the head of the kingdom. Hereditary succession to the throne
had been in practice. Normally, the eldest son would be the next
ruler. The Pallava kings had considered themselves as the
representatives of God. They had assumed many titles like
Maharaja, Maharajathi Raja and Dharma Rajathiraja. These
titles indicate the imperial power of the Pallava kings. The Pallava
kings had also claimed a divine origin.
Council of Ministers:
There was an efficient Council of Ministers in the Pallava
kingdom. The Ministers were known as Amatyas. They were given
titles such as Uttamaseelan, Brahmarajan and Peraraiyan. The
Minister carried out the orders of the king. They had also rendered
their co-operation and service to the king in all matters of
administration. Besides the Council of Ministers, there were many
officials to look after each department of the Pallava administration.
Judiciary:
There were three types of courts in the Pallava kingdom.
The highest judicial organization was called Dharmasena. The
king acted as its head. The courts in the towns were known as
Adikarnas. The village courts were called as Karnas. The village
Sabhas also acted as courts in settling the civil disputes in the
villages. Punishments were not cruel and harsh. Fines were also
imposed along with punishment.
Try to know the functioning of the modern judiciary
Army:
The Pallavas had possessed a strong and big army. There
were four divisions in the army. They were infantry, cavalry ,
elephants and chariots. The cavalry played a vital role in the wars.
The Pallavas also had a Navy. We have already noted that
Narasimhavarman I had sent two naval expeditions to Sri Lanka.
Know the significance of the Army for the security
of our country
Revenue:
Land tax was the main source of income to the government.
There were also other taxes. The copperplates and inscriptions
of the Pallavas mention eighteen kinds of taxes. The number of lakes,
tanks, wells, rivers and trees were counted for the purposes of
taxation. Taxes were known by different names such as Kaanam,
Irai, Pattam, and Puchi. For example, the term Kusakanam refers
to the tax on potters and Thari Irai to the tax on weavers. Taxes
were also levied on oil-pressers, toddy-tapers, washer men, goldsmiths
and cattle-breeders.
Try to know the various taxes being collected in
modern times and also the nature of the government
expenditure
The chief items of expenditure of the government were the
royal court, public works and temple grants. An officer called as
Kumaranpandaram managed the royal palace.
63 64
Page 4


7. THE PALLAVA ADMINISTRATION
Learning Objectives:
A well-organized administration had existed in the Pallava
kingdom. We get a lot of information from the literature and
inscriptions to know the various aspects of the Pallava
administration. The Pallava kings had introduced several
administrative institutions in the Tamil country. Mostly, they had
adopted the Mauryan system of administration and suitably
modified it. It can be said that generally there was peace and order
in the Pallava kingdom due to their efficient administrative system.
Administrative Divisions:
The Pallavas had a vast empire. It had extended up to the
Nellore district in the North and up to the river South Pennar in
the South. On the west, it had extended up to the Western Ghats
and on the east up to the Bay of Bengal. It was very difficult to
have administrative control over such a vast empire. Therefore,
the Pallavas had divided the empire into several administrative
units. They were called as Mandalam, Kottam, Nadu and Ur.
These administrative divisions may be compared with the modern
administrative units, namely province, district, taluk and village.
Try to know the districts in modern Tamil Nadu from
the political map.
Mandalam:
The biggest unit of the Pallava Empire was Mandalam or
Rashtra. It had remained almost an autonomous unit. The Pallava
king had appointed a prince or Yuvaraja as the governor of a
Mandalam. This was done to have direct central control over the
provinces.
Kottam:
Each Mandalam was divided into several Kottams or
Vishayas. The number of Kottams varied according to the size of
the Mandalam. For example, the Tondai Mandalam was divided
into twenty-four Kottams. Officials were appointed by the king to
administer each Kottam.
Nadu:
The next administrative unit was called Nadu. It was bigger
than Oor or village. There were several villages in each Nadu. A council
called Nattar was in charge of the administration of Nadu.
Oor:
The Oor or village was the smallest unit of the Pallava
administration. It was also under the control of the village
62
7. THE PALLAVA ADMINISTRATION
Learning Objectives:
A well-organized administration had existed in the Pallava
kingdom. We get a lot of information from the literature and
inscriptions to know the various aspects of the Pallava
administration. The Pallava kings had introduced several
administrative institutions in the Tamil country. Mostly, they had
adopted the Mauryan system of administration and suitably
modified it. It can be said that generally there was peace and order
in the Pallava kingdom due to their efficient administrative system.
Administrative Divisions:
The Pallavas had a vast empire. It had extended up to the
Nellore district in the North and up to the river South Pennar in
the South. On the west, it had extended up to the Western Ghats
and on the east up to the Bay of Bengal. It was very difficult to
have administrative control over such a vast empire. Therefore,
the Pallavas had divided the empire into several administrative
units. They were called as Mandalam, Kottam, Nadu and Ur.
These administrative divisions may be compared with the modern
administrative units, namely province, district, taluk and village.
Try to know the districts in modern Tamil Nadu from
the political map.
Mandalam:
The biggest unit of the Pallava Empire was Mandalam or
Rashtra. It had remained almost an autonomous unit. The Pallava
king had appointed a prince or Yuvaraja as the governor of a
Mandalam. This was done to have direct central control over the
provinces.
Kottam:
Each Mandalam was divided into several Kottams or
Vishayas. The number of Kottams varied according to the size of
the Mandalam. For example, the Tondai Mandalam was divided
into twenty-four Kottams. Officials were appointed by the king to
administer each Kottam.
Nadu:
The next administrative unit was called Nadu. It was bigger
than Oor or village. There were several villages in each Nadu. A council
called Nattar was in charge of the administration of Nadu.
Oor:
The Oor or village was the smallest unit of the Pallava
administration. It was also under the control of the village
62
committees called Sabhas. The village Sabha remained almost
autonomous in looking after the day-to-day administration of the
village.
Central Government:
Monarchy:
The Pallavas had followed the system of monarchy. The king
was the head of the kingdom. Hereditary succession to the throne
had been in practice. Normally, the eldest son would be the next
ruler. The Pallava kings had considered themselves as the
representatives of God. They had assumed many titles like
Maharaja, Maharajathi Raja and Dharma Rajathiraja. These
titles indicate the imperial power of the Pallava kings. The Pallava
kings had also claimed a divine origin.
Council of Ministers:
There was an efficient Council of Ministers in the Pallava
kingdom. The Ministers were known as Amatyas. They were given
titles such as Uttamaseelan, Brahmarajan and Peraraiyan. The
Minister carried out the orders of the king. They had also rendered
their co-operation and service to the king in all matters of
administration. Besides the Council of Ministers, there were many
officials to look after each department of the Pallava administration.
Judiciary:
There were three types of courts in the Pallava kingdom.
The highest judicial organization was called Dharmasena. The
king acted as its head. The courts in the towns were known as
Adikarnas. The village courts were called as Karnas. The village
Sabhas also acted as courts in settling the civil disputes in the
villages. Punishments were not cruel and harsh. Fines were also
imposed along with punishment.
Try to know the functioning of the modern judiciary
Army:
The Pallavas had possessed a strong and big army. There
were four divisions in the army. They were infantry, cavalry ,
elephants and chariots. The cavalry played a vital role in the wars.
The Pallavas also had a Navy. We have already noted that
Narasimhavarman I had sent two naval expeditions to Sri Lanka.
Know the significance of the Army for the security
of our country
Revenue:
Land tax was the main source of income to the government.
There were also other taxes. The copperplates and inscriptions
of the Pallavas mention eighteen kinds of taxes. The number of lakes,
tanks, wells, rivers and trees were counted for the purposes of
taxation. Taxes were known by different names such as Kaanam,
Irai, Pattam, and Puchi. For example, the term Kusakanam refers
to the tax on potters and Thari Irai to the tax on weavers. Taxes
were also levied on oil-pressers, toddy-tapers, washer men, goldsmiths
and cattle-breeders.
Try to know the various taxes being collected in
modern times and also the nature of the government
expenditure
The chief items of expenditure of the government were the
royal court, public works and temple grants. An officer called as
Kumaranpandaram managed the royal palace.
63 64
committees called Sabhas. The village Sabha remained almost
autonomous in looking after the day-to-day administration of the
village.
Central Government:
Monarchy:
The Pallavas had followed the system of monarchy. The king
was the head of the kingdom. Hereditary succession to the throne
had been in practice. Normally, the eldest son would be the next
ruler. The Pallava kings had considered themselves as the
representatives of God. They had assumed many titles like
Maharaja, Maharajathi Raja and Dharma Rajathiraja. These
titles indicate the imperial power of the Pallava kings. The Pallava
kings had also claimed a divine origin.
Council of Ministers:
There was an efficient Council of Ministers in the Pallava
kingdom. The Ministers were known as Amatyas. They were given
titles such as Uttamaseelan, Brahmarajan and Peraraiyan. The
Minister carried out the orders of the king. They had also rendered
their co-operation and service to the king in all matters of
administration. Besides the Council of Ministers, there were many
officials to look after each department of the Pallava administration.
Judiciary:
There were three types of courts in the Pallava kingdom.
The highest judicial organization was called Dharmasena. The
king acted as its head. The courts in the towns were known as
Adikarnas. The village courts were called as Karnas. The village
Sabhas also acted as courts in settling the civil disputes in the
villages. Punishments were not cruel and harsh. Fines were also
imposed along with punishment.
Try to know the functioning of the modern judiciary
Army:
The Pallavas had possessed a strong and big army. There
were four divisions in the army. They were infantry, cavalry ,
elephants and chariots. The cavalry played a vital role in the wars.
The Pallavas also had a Navy. We have already noted that
Narasimhavarman I had sent two naval expeditions to Sri Lanka.
Know the significance of the Army for the security
of our country
Revenue:
Land tax was the main source of income to the government.
There were also other taxes. The copperplates and inscriptions
of the Pallavas mention eighteen kinds of taxes. The number of lakes,
tanks, wells, rivers and trees were counted for the purposes of
taxation. Taxes were known by different names such as Kaanam,
Irai, Pattam, and Puchi. For example, the term Kusakanam refers
to the tax on potters and Thari Irai to the tax on weavers. Taxes
were also levied on oil-pressers, toddy-tapers, washer men, goldsmiths
and cattle-breeders.
Try to know the various taxes being collected in
modern times and also the nature of the government
expenditure
The chief items of expenditure of the government were the
royal court, public works and temple grants. An officer called as
Kumaranpandaram managed the royal palace.
63 64
Page 5


7. THE PALLAVA ADMINISTRATION
Learning Objectives:
A well-organized administration had existed in the Pallava
kingdom. We get a lot of information from the literature and
inscriptions to know the various aspects of the Pallava
administration. The Pallava kings had introduced several
administrative institutions in the Tamil country. Mostly, they had
adopted the Mauryan system of administration and suitably
modified it. It can be said that generally there was peace and order
in the Pallava kingdom due to their efficient administrative system.
Administrative Divisions:
The Pallavas had a vast empire. It had extended up to the
Nellore district in the North and up to the river South Pennar in
the South. On the west, it had extended up to the Western Ghats
and on the east up to the Bay of Bengal. It was very difficult to
have administrative control over such a vast empire. Therefore,
the Pallavas had divided the empire into several administrative
units. They were called as Mandalam, Kottam, Nadu and Ur.
These administrative divisions may be compared with the modern
administrative units, namely province, district, taluk and village.
Try to know the districts in modern Tamil Nadu from
the political map.
Mandalam:
The biggest unit of the Pallava Empire was Mandalam or
Rashtra. It had remained almost an autonomous unit. The Pallava
king had appointed a prince or Yuvaraja as the governor of a
Mandalam. This was done to have direct central control over the
provinces.
Kottam:
Each Mandalam was divided into several Kottams or
Vishayas. The number of Kottams varied according to the size of
the Mandalam. For example, the Tondai Mandalam was divided
into twenty-four Kottams. Officials were appointed by the king to
administer each Kottam.
Nadu:
The next administrative unit was called Nadu. It was bigger
than Oor or village. There were several villages in each Nadu. A council
called Nattar was in charge of the administration of Nadu.
Oor:
The Oor or village was the smallest unit of the Pallava
administration. It was also under the control of the village
62
7. THE PALLAVA ADMINISTRATION
Learning Objectives:
A well-organized administration had existed in the Pallava
kingdom. We get a lot of information from the literature and
inscriptions to know the various aspects of the Pallava
administration. The Pallava kings had introduced several
administrative institutions in the Tamil country. Mostly, they had
adopted the Mauryan system of administration and suitably
modified it. It can be said that generally there was peace and order
in the Pallava kingdom due to their efficient administrative system.
Administrative Divisions:
The Pallavas had a vast empire. It had extended up to the
Nellore district in the North and up to the river South Pennar in
the South. On the west, it had extended up to the Western Ghats
and on the east up to the Bay of Bengal. It was very difficult to
have administrative control over such a vast empire. Therefore,
the Pallavas had divided the empire into several administrative
units. They were called as Mandalam, Kottam, Nadu and Ur.
These administrative divisions may be compared with the modern
administrative units, namely province, district, taluk and village.
Try to know the districts in modern Tamil Nadu from
the political map.
Mandalam:
The biggest unit of the Pallava Empire was Mandalam or
Rashtra. It had remained almost an autonomous unit. The Pallava
king had appointed a prince or Yuvaraja as the governor of a
Mandalam. This was done to have direct central control over the
provinces.
Kottam:
Each Mandalam was divided into several Kottams or
Vishayas. The number of Kottams varied according to the size of
the Mandalam. For example, the Tondai Mandalam was divided
into twenty-four Kottams. Officials were appointed by the king to
administer each Kottam.
Nadu:
The next administrative unit was called Nadu. It was bigger
than Oor or village. There were several villages in each Nadu. A council
called Nattar was in charge of the administration of Nadu.
Oor:
The Oor or village was the smallest unit of the Pallava
administration. It was also under the control of the village
62
committees called Sabhas. The village Sabha remained almost
autonomous in looking after the day-to-day administration of the
village.
Central Government:
Monarchy:
The Pallavas had followed the system of monarchy. The king
was the head of the kingdom. Hereditary succession to the throne
had been in practice. Normally, the eldest son would be the next
ruler. The Pallava kings had considered themselves as the
representatives of God. They had assumed many titles like
Maharaja, Maharajathi Raja and Dharma Rajathiraja. These
titles indicate the imperial power of the Pallava kings. The Pallava
kings had also claimed a divine origin.
Council of Ministers:
There was an efficient Council of Ministers in the Pallava
kingdom. The Ministers were known as Amatyas. They were given
titles such as Uttamaseelan, Brahmarajan and Peraraiyan. The
Minister carried out the orders of the king. They had also rendered
their co-operation and service to the king in all matters of
administration. Besides the Council of Ministers, there were many
officials to look after each department of the Pallava administration.
Judiciary:
There were three types of courts in the Pallava kingdom.
The highest judicial organization was called Dharmasena. The
king acted as its head. The courts in the towns were known as
Adikarnas. The village courts were called as Karnas. The village
Sabhas also acted as courts in settling the civil disputes in the
villages. Punishments were not cruel and harsh. Fines were also
imposed along with punishment.
Try to know the functioning of the modern judiciary
Army:
The Pallavas had possessed a strong and big army. There
were four divisions in the army. They were infantry, cavalry ,
elephants and chariots. The cavalry played a vital role in the wars.
The Pallavas also had a Navy. We have already noted that
Narasimhavarman I had sent two naval expeditions to Sri Lanka.
Know the significance of the Army for the security
of our country
Revenue:
Land tax was the main source of income to the government.
There were also other taxes. The copperplates and inscriptions
of the Pallavas mention eighteen kinds of taxes. The number of lakes,
tanks, wells, rivers and trees were counted for the purposes of
taxation. Taxes were known by different names such as Kaanam,
Irai, Pattam, and Puchi. For example, the term Kusakanam refers
to the tax on potters and Thari Irai to the tax on weavers. Taxes
were also levied on oil-pressers, toddy-tapers, washer men, goldsmiths
and cattle-breeders.
Try to know the various taxes being collected in
modern times and also the nature of the government
expenditure
The chief items of expenditure of the government were the
royal court, public works and temple grants. An officer called as
Kumaranpandaram managed the royal palace.
63 64
committees called Sabhas. The village Sabha remained almost
autonomous in looking after the day-to-day administration of the
village.
Central Government:
Monarchy:
The Pallavas had followed the system of monarchy. The king
was the head of the kingdom. Hereditary succession to the throne
had been in practice. Normally, the eldest son would be the next
ruler. The Pallava kings had considered themselves as the
representatives of God. They had assumed many titles like
Maharaja, Maharajathi Raja and Dharma Rajathiraja. These
titles indicate the imperial power of the Pallava kings. The Pallava
kings had also claimed a divine origin.
Council of Ministers:
There was an efficient Council of Ministers in the Pallava
kingdom. The Ministers were known as Amatyas. They were given
titles such as Uttamaseelan, Brahmarajan and Peraraiyan. The
Minister carried out the orders of the king. They had also rendered
their co-operation and service to the king in all matters of
administration. Besides the Council of Ministers, there were many
officials to look after each department of the Pallava administration.
Judiciary:
There were three types of courts in the Pallava kingdom.
The highest judicial organization was called Dharmasena. The
king acted as its head. The courts in the towns were known as
Adikarnas. The village courts were called as Karnas. The village
Sabhas also acted as courts in settling the civil disputes in the
villages. Punishments were not cruel and harsh. Fines were also
imposed along with punishment.
Try to know the functioning of the modern judiciary
Army:
The Pallavas had possessed a strong and big army. There
were four divisions in the army. They were infantry, cavalry ,
elephants and chariots. The cavalry played a vital role in the wars.
The Pallavas also had a Navy. We have already noted that
Narasimhavarman I had sent two naval expeditions to Sri Lanka.
Know the significance of the Army for the security
of our country
Revenue:
Land tax was the main source of income to the government.
There were also other taxes. The copperplates and inscriptions
of the Pallavas mention eighteen kinds of taxes. The number of lakes,
tanks, wells, rivers and trees were counted for the purposes of
taxation. Taxes were known by different names such as Kaanam,
Irai, Pattam, and Puchi. For example, the term Kusakanam refers
to the tax on potters and Thari Irai to the tax on weavers. Taxes
were also levied on oil-pressers, toddy-tapers, washer men, goldsmiths
and cattle-breeders.
Try to know the various taxes being collected in
modern times and also the nature of the government
expenditure
The chief items of expenditure of the government were the
royal court, public works and temple grants. An officer called as
Kumaranpandaram managed the royal palace.
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Local administration:
The existence and the functioning of the local bodies
constitute an important aspect of the Pallava administration.
Already mention is made about the administrative units called Nadu
and Oor. The respective committees had administered these
divisions. The committee of Nadu was known as Nattar. They
carried out the king’s orders and looked after the administration of
Nadu.
The Sabha or Committee in each Oor or village was in charge
of the village administration. The members of Oor Sabha were known
as Perumakkal. Each Sabha was divided into separate committees
called Variyams. Each Variyam had looked after the
administration of temple, irrigation tanks and village gardens. Thus,
the village administration was well organized during the Pallava
rule. It can be said that the Pallavas had laid the foundation for the
future expansion of village administration during the Later Cholas.
SELF-EV ALUATION
I. Say True of False:
1. The Pallavas had mostly followed the administrative system of
the Mauryas.
2. The prince was appointed to administer the unit Nadu.
3. There were four divisions in the Pallava army.
4. The Pallavas remained as the forerunners of the village
administration of the Cholas.
II. Choose the Correct Answer:
1. Those who were appointed as governors of Mandalam were
(a) Princes (b) Ministers (c) Nattars.
2. The chief income of the Pallavas
(a) Professional tax (b) Land tax (c) Toll-tax
3. The smallest unit of the Pallava administration
(a) Nadu (b) Kottam (c) Oor
4. The eastern boundary of the Pallava kingdom
(a) Bay of Bengal (b) Nellore district (c) River Pennar
III. Fill in the Blanks:
1. ----------- was the biggest unit of the Pallava Empire.
2. There were ---------------- kottams in Tondai Mandalam.
3. The tax on potters was called as------------
4. The members of Oor Sabha were called as ---------------
IV. Match the Following:
1. Amatyas (a) Dharmasena
2. Court (b) Treasury
3. Thari Irai (c) Ministers
4. Pandaram (d) Weavers
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