State and Government in Ancient India

By: Altekar, A. S.

A detailed portrayal reveals how ancient Indian governance shaped statecraft, economy, and inter-state dynamics.

The State and Government in Ancient India provides a glimpse into the political system followed in ancient India. The author covers the time period stretching from the Vedic era up to the Rashtrakutas. The author uses the Vedas, other Hindu texts, as well as Buddhist, Jain, and other historical sources to reconstruct ancient Indian polity. The chapters address issues related to literature analysis, statecraft, the relationship between the state and its inhabitants, the subject of kingship, the emergence of republics, and the powers exercised at the central, provincial, urban, and village levels. The economy, revenue, and taxation systems are also discussed in the book. Additionally, the book covers inter-state relationships and the subjects of peace and conflict in ancient India.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9360806749
• ISBN13: 9789360806743
• Release Date: June 2026
• Publisher: Manohar Books
• Length: 422 Pages