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XIII. POLITY AND ADMINISTRATION
The king: The concept of the king being a divine personlity can be gathered by the word Svarat (self-effulgent, 1.119). A group of subordinate kings and administrators is referred to be sitting all around the king (XV.48). The court of Mūlarāja is called Sahasrarājñi (consisting of thousands of kings IV.40). Feudalism continued in Gujarāta. Kumārapāla had two Samantas named Vijaya and Kṛṣṇaka in his court (XIX.98). Besides Samantas, Māṇḍdalikas, the governors of some Mandalas or Desas (Ku. VI.26); Mahajanikas who were, perhaps, rich people and businessmen were also present in his court (Ku. VI.34).
The king was a supreme Judge himself and decided every important and higher affair (1.69).
King and gifts: Valuable gifts consisting of jewels and diamods were given to a king by the rich and by the defeated enemies (VI.19; XV.35).
Barbara, an enemy of Jayasimha presented him the Māņikyas as he was released by the latter (XIII.1). Camels laden with gold were sent to a king whose paramountcy was accepted. These gifts were presented on the golden plates (Paṭṭaka XV.71). Royal umbrellas were also sent as a token of accepting supremacy of a king (VI.24), Gifts were sent in the form of the military aids viz. elephants, horses etc. also (VI.17. XV.4). The special product of a particular area was also sent as gift. The king of Kaśmīra presented the musk which is a special product of Kaśmīra (VI.23).
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