A Comparative Study of Public Administration in the Gupta and Mughal Empires
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Abstract
This paper presents a comparative analysis of public administration in the Gupta (320-550 CE)
and Mughal Empires (1526-1857 CE), with a focus on their contrasting governance
philosophies. The Gupta Empire was a decentralized feudal state that granted significant
autonomy to local governments, such as Bhuktis and Vishayas, thereby facilitating local self
rule and cultural assimilation. In contrast, the Mughal Empire established a centralized,
militaristic bureaucracy to ensure imperial control, administrative uniformity, and economic
efficiency. The cornerstone of this system was the Mansabdari system, which served as a
standardized framework for administering the empire's vast territories. This study examines the
impact of diverse geographic contexts and political circumstances on these distinct
administrative models. Through an analysis of historical documents and administrative
structures, it assesses their contributions to the evolution of administrative practices on the
Indian subcontinent. The findings underscore the enduring tension between local
empowerment and central control, offering insight
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References
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