Indian Administration

Preface

In ancient India, Kautilya’s Arthashastra provides a detailed account of the administration during the reign of the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta I. At that time, according to Hindu tradition, the role of the King and his officers was service to and safeguarding of the people. The administrative principles of Kautilya are still relevant even after centuries for scholars and students in India.

During the medieval period, India was ruled by the Mughal emperors through their officers and feudatories. Rajputs and Muslims strove to plant an administration, the traces of which are still found in the district administration of the patvari, kotwal and kotwali.

The British, who came in pursuit of commercial interests during the Mughal king Shah ...