What are the Main Features of the Harsha Administration?

By Balaji

Updated on: February 17th, 2023

The Main Features of the Harsha Administration are that he followed the monarchical system, the chief minister headed the council of ministers, maintained an efficient civil service, and had a liberal tax policy. Harsha served as the first commander in chief of the army and served as the head of all administrative, legislative, and judicial functions. He attained the titles of Parambhattaraka and Maharajadhiraja.

Table of content

1. Main Features of Harsha Administration
2. What are the Main Features of the Harsha Administration?

Main Features of Harsha Administration

Harsha is portrayed as a perfect leader who actively contributed to the success and administration of his empire by being kind, vivacious, just, and active. The first diplomatic ties between India and China were established in 641 when he dispatched an envoy to the Chinese emperor. The main features of Harsha’s administration were:

King: Harsha followed the old monarchical system of administration that existed in India during the earlier imperial periods. The king was undoubtedly the supreme lawgiver, chief executive, and fountain of justice. He was also the central figure of the entire administrative machinery, acting as its centre.
Council of Ministers: The Chief Minister headed the Council of Ministers. The Council of Ministers was also the foreign affairs and war decision-making body.
Bureaucracy: Harsha kept up a productive government operation. Mahasamanta, Pramatara, or the spiritual teacher, Maharaja, Kumaramatya, Rajasthaniya, Vishayapati, and other top officials were among those who directly received directives and orders from the king. The Chief Commanding Officer, the Cavalry Commanding Officer, and the Elephant Forces Commanding Officer were present.
Revenue system: Tax policy was liberal. The royal share was one-sixth of agricultural production. Taxes depend on the weight and measure of goods sold and on the share of production, taxes, and cash payments from other sources of income. Revenue was also derived from trade and commerce. But the duties on goods were mild.
Administrative decisions of the Empire: Harsha’s inspections maintained order in the territorial units and coordinated between the central and provincial administrations.
Penal system: Treason against the state and the king was regarded as a serious offence, and those found guilty were sentenced to life in prison. The punishment for crimes against society, immorality, and antisocial behaviour included limb amputation or deportation to a foreign country or untamed wilderness. Under Harsha, the criminal justice system was an odd amalgam of Gupta leniency and Maurya severity.

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