Early Medieval Feudal Administration
The administrative system of the Early Medieval period (c. 600–1200 CE) in India was fundamentally defined by political decentralization and the institutionalization of the Samanta system, leading to what historians often term Indian Feudalism. The Samantas (feudatories, vassals, or subordinate chiefs) were the pillars of this decentralized administration and the key military component of the political structure. The term Samanta gradually evolved from meaning a neighbouring king to a subjugated vassal.
Key Features
- Autonomous Governance: Samantas were granted territories (often in lieu of a cash salary or as a reward for conquest/allegiance) and were authorized to administer them almost autonomously.
- Revenue ....
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Indian History
- 1 Feudal Polity in Early Medieval India
- 2 Gupta Kings: Chandragupta I, Samudragupta & Vikramaditya
- 3 Decentralized Governance in the Gupta Age
- 4 Mauryan Kings: Chandragupta and Ashoka
- 5 Delhi Sultanate: Dynasties & Rulers
- 6 Delhi Sultanate: Political System & Governance
- 7 Tribal Political Organisation in Early Vedic Period
- 8 Rise of Monarchical Power in Mahajanapadas
- 9 Centralized Monarchy during Mauryan Empire
- 10 Evolution of the Indian Civil Service (ICS) During the British Era
