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THE PARISHAD IN MAURYA INDIA 315 Rapson' seems to think that the Gandhāras, Kambojas, Yavanas, Rishţikas, Bhojas, Petenikas, Pāladas and Andhras lay beyond Aśoka's dominions, and were not his subjects, though regarded as coming within his sphere of influence. But this surmise can hardly be accepted in view of the fact that Asoka's Dharma-mahāmātras were employed amongst them on the revision of (sentences of) imprisonment or execution, in the reduction of penalties, or (the grant of) release” (Rock Edict V). In the Rock Edict XIII, they seem to be included within the Rāja-Vishaya or the King's territory, and are distinguished from the real border peoples (Amta, Prachanta), viz., the Greeks of the realm of Antiochos and the Tamil peoples of the south (Nicha). But while we are unable to accept the views of Rapson, we find it equally difficult to agree with Dr. D. R. Bhandarkar 3 who denies the existence of Yonas and others as feudatory chieftains in Asoka's dominions. The case of the Yavana-rāja Tushāspha clearly establishes the existence of such vassal chiefs whose peoples indoubtedly enjoyed partial autonomy though subject to the jurisdiction of special Imperial officers like the Dharma-mahāmātras.
Having described the extent of Asoka's empire we now proceed to give a brief account of its administration. Asoka continued the Council government of his predecessors. There are references to the Emperor's dealings with the Parishā or Parishad in Rock Edicts III and VI. Senart took Parishā to mean Sangha and Bühler understood by it the Committee of caste or sect.
1 CHI, pp. 514, 515.
2 "They are occupied in supporting prisoners (with money), in causing (their) fetters to be taken off, and in setting (them) free" (Hultzsch, Asoka, p. 33).
3 Asoka, 28.
