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A CRITICAL STUDY OF PAUMACARIYAM
Carapurusas:-They were the spies who were entrusted with the work of espionage. Janaka ordered them to find out his lost son (26.95). The recovery of Lakṣmaṇa from injuries was communicated by them to Ravana (65.1). The secret attempt of Rāvana in mastering the supernatural powers was disclosed to Rama's Vānara forces by them (67.10). Madhu's loop-holes were transmitted to Satrughna by them (86.32) and thus Satrughna became successful in defeating him. Thus the PCV reveals that Cariyapurusas were the secret agents who kept their king and the Government informed of the position and the developments in the territory of an enemy king.
Lekhava haka:-Lehavaha (37. 1) was the carrier of state messages. Pratihara :-Padihāra (13. 1) was the officer of royal court. His permission (47. 6) was necessary to enter the court (See also VGA, p. 225).
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Dvarapala: Daravāla as referred to in the PCV (17. 16), was the gate-keeper of town.
Udyanapala:-Ujjāņavalaya (39. 5) was the guard of royal park.
Lokapalas:-They are mentioned as governors of various divisions of the country. Vidyadhara king Indra appointed them as rulers of the four quarters or regions of India (7. 43-47; 57).
Adesadayaka:-Adesadayas are merely referred to (14. 19). They are mentioned along with ministers and envoys. They can be taken as the officers of various departments of the state.
Raṣṭrasvamin-Raṭṭhasāmis are merely referred to (14. 22). In the early Christian era, the districts were known as Raṣṭras and Raṣṭrasvamins should be the district heads or officers. The Inscription of Rudradāmaņa mentions them as provincial governors. The Rathikas of the Kharvela Inscription are explained as provincial governors".
Grameyakas and Bhogikas:-Gamaudas (66. 8) and Bhoiyas (3. 121) are merely referred to. Grameyakas are explained as the heads of village administration. They are called Gramapradhānas or Gāmanīs.' Bhogikas are explained as the chiefs recognised by the kings.5 They enjoyed the revenue of their lands. They were the headmen of villages,
1. See VGS, p. 262.
2. SI, p. 212.
3. VGA, p. 266.
4. Desinamamata, 2-89.
5. Santyācārya on Uttaradhyayana, 15. 9.
6. Lakṣmivallabha on Uttara, 15, 9.
