Administrative Records in Ancient India

Sources for understanding administrative records in ancient India are varied and have significant limitations, as many perishable materials like palm leaves or cloth have not survived. However, information has been gleaned from surviving materials, including official inscriptions, literary works, and accounts by foreign travellers.

Primary Literary Sources

• Kautilya's Arthashastra: This text, from the Mauryan period, is a foundational source on statecraft. It provides a detailed account of state administration, including the hierarchy of officials (tirthas and adhyakshyas), the roles of various departments (commerce, agriculture, mints), the system of revenue collection (yuktas and rajukas), and an elaborate network of spies (gudhapurushas) ....