Central Government in Pallava
| 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 Paliava 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 Uthamaseelan, 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.
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.
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, Paatam, and
Poochi. For example, the term Kusakaanam refers to the tax on potters
and Than Irai to the tax on weavers. Taxes were also levied on oil-pressers,
toddy-tapers, washer men, goldsmiths and cattle-breeders.
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.
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 Naattar. 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 Vaariyams. Each Vaariyams 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.
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