History of Uttarakhand (Garhwal, Kumaon, Haridwar) - Part 111
Early Medieval Asian History of Katyuri Imperialism of Kartikeypur in Kumaon, Garhwal and Haridwar (Uttarakhand, India) -22
(Early Asian Medieval History of Garhwal, Kumaon, Haridwar, Doti Nepal (Uttarakhand, India))
(Early Asian Medieval History (740-1100 AD)
By: Bhishma Kukreti
Thakurai or Chieftain System in Katyuri Kingdom in context of Asian Medieval Period
The Katyuri kingdom was dominated by regional sub kingdoms (Thakurai). The regional sub kingdom or Thakurai was ruled by Samant or Chieftains. Mostly, the Thakurai used to rule through autonomous system. The Chieftain system was governed by dynasty system. The Chieftains used to help the Katyuri king of early Asian medieval period at the time of war and defusing inland disturbance or civil war.
The regional Chieftains used to become stronger in weak Katyuri Kingdom (of Asian early medieval period). The old sayings inform many tales about strong chieftains harassing the Katyuri King of early medieval period (Katyuri of Kartikeyapur).
The folk tales of this period tell many stories about infighting among regional Chieftains of Katyuri Kingdom of Asian early medieval era. The folk tales also update that the Katyuri Kings of Asian early medieval age used to create infighting among Chieftains for making balance of power. When Ashokchall and Krachaaldev attacked Katyuri Kingdom, many chieftains shifted the side and became the chieftains of invaders. The chieftains used to take tax from the people and used to share tax with the Kings.
When the Katyuri kings used to donate land for temple or public utility the chieftains did not collect tax from such donated land.
Councils of Ministers- Cabinet of Katyuri Kings of Asian early medieval Period
The King was whole and sole of the Kingdom. The King used to appoint chief officers for smooth administration. However, Katyuri Kings of Asian early medieval age were not dictators.
They used to have councils of cabinet. The Katyuri king of Asian early medieval age used to take suggestions from cabinet ministers and scholars, experienced personalities.
There are following main administrative positions mentioned in Katyuri inscriptions-
1-Amatya or Rajamatya------------Prime Minister
2-MahaSandhiVigrahAdhikrit- ----War or Defense Minister
3-MahaDankshapatladhikrit-----
4-Mahadandnayak or Dandnayak -----------Police of Security In charge and or Law Minister
5-Uparik----------------- Governor
6-Ayuktak------------------ Commissioner
7-Vishaypati------------------
8-Koshpal- ---------------- Treasurers
9-Shreshthi ------------------ City or Village Elite by finance or Rich person
Regional or Provincial Administration of Katyuri Kings of Asian early medieval Period
The inscriptions of Katyuri Kingdom and folktales of Asian early medieval period of Uttarakhand suggest that the Katyuri Kingdom of Kartikeypur had five major regions (Vishay)-
1-Kartikeypur Vishaya - from Joshimath (today’s Chamoli Garhwal) to Gomati Valley region
2- Tankanpur Vishaya – Alaknanda valley above today’s Dev Prayag
3- Antrag Vishaya- Central part of between Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Rivers
4- Eshal Vishaya- Most probably, the land between Bhagirathi and Yamuna Rivers
5-Mayapurhat- The folklores suggest that Haridwar was under Katyuri Kingdom of Asian early medieval period.
6-If Katyuri Kingdom of early Asian medieval period was extended from Sutlej to Gandaki then definitely Sutlej –Yamuna Doab and Kali Ganga –Gandaki Doab would have separate regions. Doab means the land between two rivers.
Bhukti of Gupta Period
In Gupta period, the Kingdom was divided among Bhukti and Bhukti used to be divided among Vishay. In Katyuri inscriptions of early Asian medieval period the word Bhukti (Jaykulbhukti) is mentioned only once in the inscription of Tribhuwanraj. It seems in the Katyuri kings of Asian early medieval period, Bhukti were used for division of Region or Vishay.
Village Councils in Katyuri Kings of Asian early medieval Period
The Vishay or regions were divided among villages or Gram. The Mahamanushya used to control the village council.
*** Read More about Asian Medieval Historical Characteristics of Administration and Society in Katyuri Kingdom of Kartikeyapur Part-2
Copyright@ Bhishma Kukreti -bckukreti@gmail.com 30/7/2013
(The History of Garhwal, Kumaon, Haridwar write up is aimed for general readers)
History of Garhwal – Kumaon-Haridwar (Uttarakhand) to be continued… Part -112
Early Asian Medieval History of Katyuri Dynasty in Kumaon, Garhwal and Haridwar (Uttarakhand, India) to be continued…23
(Oriental Early Medieval History (740-1100 AD to be continued…)
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