List of Important Ratnis and Officials of Vedic Period
At the time early Vedic age, the fundamental unit of power lied within the realm of patriarchal family which was called as Kula. In the later Vedic age, the concept of state was emerged and the idea of Kingship evolved gradually from clan chieftainship. Over the time, the legitimisation of King's power increases by rituals of sacrifice (Yajna) by the priests and meanwhile defined the officials who subordinate the King and state-affairs. There are five types of State System during Vedic period which is given:
1. Rajya (Central kingdom): Ruled by the Raja
2. Bhojya (Southern kingdom): Ruled by the Bhoja
3. Swarajya (Western kingdom): Ruled by the Svarat
4. Vairajya (Northern kingdom): Ruled by the Virat
5. Samrajya (Eastern kingdom): Ruled by the Samrat
Over the time, the legitimisation of King's power increases by rituals of sacrifice (Yajna) by the priests and meanwhile defined the officials who subordinate the King in its state-affairs.
List of Vedic Literature| Sacred Hindu Scriptures
Ratnis and Officials of Vedic Period
| Ratnis and Officials |
Working area (Description) |
| Purohita |
Chief priest, also sometimes referred to as the Rashtragopa |
| Senani |
Supreme Commander of the army |
| Vrajapati |
Officer Incharge of the Pasture land |
| Jivagribha |
Police officer |
| Spasas/Dutas |
Spies, who also sometimes worked as messengers |
| Gramani |
Head of the village |
| Kulapati |
Head of Family |
| Madhyamasi |
Mediator of Disputes |
| Bhagadugha |
Revenue Collector |
| Sangrihitri |
Treasurer |
| Mahishi |
The Chief Queen |
| Suta |
Charioteer and Court Minister |
| Govinkartana |
Keeper of Games and Forests |
| Palagala |
Messenger |
| Kshatri |
Chamberian |
| Akshavapa |
Accountant |
| Athapati |
Chief Judge |
| Takshan |
Carpenter |
The king ruled with the consent and approval of the people and the prime duty of the king were to protect the tribe in which assisted by the above ratnis and officials. The political units during the Rig Vedic or the early Vedic period comprised of Grama (village), Vish and Jana. There were several tribal kingdoms during the Rig Vedic period such as Bharatas, Matsyas, Yadus and Purus. There was no regular revenue system and the kingdom was maintained by the voluntary tribute (Bali) of the people and the booty won in battle.
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