The Rashtrakutas were a prominent imperial power in the Indian subcontinent between the mid-8th and the 10th centuries CE, ruling from their capital at Manyakheta (modern Malkhed in Karnataka). Emerging from the Deccan region, they became one of the dominant political forces during the early medieval period in Indian history, rivaling the Pratiharas in the north and the Palas in the east. Their polity and administration reflect the evolution of political organization, administrative practices, and statecraft in early medieval India. The Rashtrakuta polity was characterized by a centralized monarchy, yet it exhibited features of decentralization through the delegation of authority to feudatories and local chieftains. The king was the supreme authority and was regarded as the representative of divine power on earth. Kings often assumed exalted titles such as *Paramabhattaraka*, *Maharajadhiraja*, and *Prithvivallabha*, indicating both their political sovereignty and religious legitimacy. Kingship was hereditary but not strictly primogeniture; capable heirs could be chosen from among the royal family, which sometimes led to conflicts over succession. The administration of the Rashtrakutas was structured hierarchically, with the king at the apex, assisted by a council of ministers (*mantriparishad*), which included high-ranking officials responsible for different aspects of governance such as revenue, military, justice, and religious endowments. The position of the chief minister, often called *Mahamatya* or *Mahashabdapati*, was crucial in the decision-making process and overall governance. This council not only advised the king but also acted as an executive body implementing royal decisions. The empire was divided into a number of provinces called *rashtras*, governed by officials known as *rashtrapatis*. These provinces were further subdivided into *vishayas* (districts), which were administered by *vishayapatis*. At the grassroots level, *bhogas* and *grāmas* (villages) formed the basic administrative units. The village administration was fairly autonomous, managed by a village assembly or council composed of local elders and influential persons. These councils were responsible for local administration, including the maintenance of law and order, collection of taxes, and maintenance of irrigation and agricultural infrastructure. One of the key features of Rashtrakuta administration was the prominence of feudal lords, or *samantas*, who held large tracts of land and maintained their own military forces. In return, they pledged loyalty to the king and rendered military and administrative services. These feudatories were often granted revenue rights over villages and were