Question

With reference to Harshawardana's administration, what does the term ‘dutaka’ mean?
A. Minister
B. Messenger
C. Officer
D. Commander

Answer 1

Hint: Harshavardhana was a real people’s king who considered each individual in the kingdom as an important factor to the society and protected every single one with pride. Communication between the king and the people became common and strong due to assigned personals who are required to transfer information between the king and the people.

Complete answer:
Harshavardhana was one of the greatest Indian emperors who ruled the entire north India and regions in central India during the 7th Century under the Pushyabhuti dynasty. His rule reminded people of that of the Gupta Dynasty. His reign was known for peace, stability and prosperity. He also attracted many artists and scholars from far and wide. He managed to rule from 606 to 647 CE and became the most successful emperor of the Pushyabhuti dynasty. He was defeated in the end by a South Indian ruler named Pulakeshin II. The defeat of Harshavardhana terminated the Pushyabhuti dynasty.
During the course of his rule, Harshavardhana was able to gather a strong enough army with thousands of cavalries and lakhs of soldiers. His interest in culture and art created many opportunities for local artisans to perform and make a living. Numerous endowments were made to the Nalanda University, including a wall covering its premises. This wall saved the university from attacks and invasions by the enemies.
Harsha’s civil administration was founded on solid principles. Instead of relying on the services of trained bureaucracy, the king supervised the administration rather than adapting bureaucracy and got involved with people regularly. There was a council of ministers to assist Harsha with the reign. They were called ‘Sachiv’ or ‘Amatya”. The Chief Sachiv of Harsha was Bhandari and Sandhi Vigrahak was ‘Avanti’ Sinhagad was his Senapati. Skanda Gupta was also one of the ministers who were the Senapati of the elephant’s wing of the army. The communicators were called ‘dutakas’ as they used to pass on information regarding important factors to the neighboring states and to people.
So, the correct answer is Option B.

Note: Harsha’s kingdom was divided into several provinces which were known as ‘Bhukti’. These ‘Bhuktis’ were further divided into Visayas (districts) and the Visayas were divided into several ‘Pathakas’ (Tehsils). The village was the smallest unit)’ of administration.The provincial ruler or head of the province was called “Uparika'' The Visava was called “Vidyapati”. There was Dandika Chord Varanika. Dandapasika etc. to help the rulers of provinces and districts.