Early Rajput Political & Administrative System | Course for RPSC RAS Preparation - RPSC RAS (Rajasthan) PDF Download

Introduction

Political Map of Medieval India

Samanta System

• The Rajput political structure was based on clan ties. The Raja stood at the apex of the hierarchy, but he ruled with consent of his clan members. Each clan constituted a ruling elite (referred to as Samanta ) and heads of sub clans constituted the nobility. Each clan member considered himself entitled to the same right to rule the Kingdom as the Raja. 
• They were independent to rule the area under them, were competent to impose taxes as per their will, and could collect them. They had the administrative and judicial powers in their areas.
• Though the Raja’s sovereignty was accepted, chiefs of ruling clans treated him as the primus- inter-pares. This put a check on the power in the hands of the Raja. Under the practice of bhai-bant, territories conquered by the kith and kin of the Raja, became their thikanas. 
• The Raja could not afford the luxury of alienating the clan members as they wielded immense authority in matters of succession, especially since there was no rigid law of primogeniture.