Discuss the administration of the state during the Pandyan times
The administration of the Pandya Kingdom, one of the ancient Tamil dynasties in South India, evolved significantly over time, particularly during its peak from the 6th to the 13th centuries CE.
Get the full solved assignment PDF of MHI-104 of 2024-25 session now by clicking on above button.
The Pandyas, known for their long-lasting rule and contributions to Tamil culture, established an efficient and well-organized administrative system that was instrumental in maintaining the stability and prosperity of their kingdom. Their administration was marked by a combination of centralized authority, regional governance, and a deep integration with local traditions, which allowed them to govern a diverse and extensive territory.
At the top of the administrative hierarchy was the Pandya king, who held supreme authority over the state. The king was considered a divine ruler, and his legitimacy was often reinforced through rituals, temple patronage, and the support of religious leaders. The Pandya kings, like those of other South Indian dynasties, were also deeply involved in the administration of justice, military affairs, and religious activities. The king was assisted by a council of ministers known as the Amaichar, who were responsible for advising the monarch on matters of governance. These ministers were often selected from among the nobility and played crucial roles in the day-to-day administration of the kingdom.
The Pandya administration was divided into several administrative units for effective governance. The kingdom was segmented into provinces called mandalams, which were further divided into nadus (districts), kurrams (sub-districts), and urus (villages). Each administrative unit was overseen by officials appointed by the central government. The mandalam was governed by a governor, often a member of the royal family or a trusted noble, who reported directly to the king. The nadu was managed by local chieftains or Velirs, who had considerable autonomy but were expected to uphold the authority of the Pandya king. The village, or uru, was the basic unit of administration, where local affairs were managed by a village assembly or sabha.
The village assemblies during the Pandya period were crucial in maintaining local governance and were composed of influential members of the community, including landowners, merchants, and religious leaders. These assemblies were responsible for various local administrative functions such as tax collection, the management of irrigation systems, and the maintenance of law and order. The village assemblies operated with a significant degree of autonomy, reflecting the deeply ingrained tradition of local self-governance in South Indian society. This system of decentralized governance allowed the Pandya state to effectively manage its diverse and geographically spread population.
Revenue administration was a key aspect of the Pandya state’s functioning. The primary source of revenue was land tax, which was collected from the agricultural surplus produced in the fertile regions of the kingdom, especially along the banks of the Vaigai River and in the rich plains of Madurai. The land was categorized based on its fertility, and the tax rates were determined accordingly. The state also collected taxes from trade, both internal and external, as the Pandyas were known for their flourishing trade relations with other parts of India, as well as with foreign countries, including those in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The revenue collected was used to support the state’s administrative machinery, maintain the army, and fund public works such as the construction of temples, irrigation projects, and roads.
The military was another vital component of the Pandya administration. The Pandya kings maintained a strong and well-organized army, which was essential for both defending the kingdom’s borders and asserting its dominance over rival states. The army was composed of infantry, cavalry, and war elephants, which were a hallmark of South Indian military power. The Pandyas also maintained a navy, given their coastal location, which was crucial for protecting their trade routes and conducting naval expeditions.
Religion and temple patronage were deeply integrated into the Pandya administration. The kings were ardent supporters of Hinduism, particularly the Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions, and they often undertook grand temple-building projects. Temples were not only places of worship but also served as centers of economic activity, education, and social life. The temples received significant endowments from the state, and their management was closely linked with the administrative apparatus. The influence of the temple authorities often extended into the secular administration, as they played a role in local governance and the collection of taxes.
In conclusion, the administration of the Pandya Kingdom was a complex and well-structured system that combined centralized authority with regional and local governance. The efficient management of revenue, a strong military, and the integration of religion into the state apparatus were key factors that contributed to the stability and prosperity of the Pandya state. This administrative framework allowed the Pandyas to maintain their power and influence over South India for several centuries, leaving a lasting legacy in the region’s history.