Mukharaj

Mukharaj was a Gupta administration title and office found in the Gupta Empire, specifically in Eastern India. The term refers to a governor of a province responsible for the collection of taxes, maintenance of law and order, and organization of land divisions. The Mukharaj reported directly to the Maharaja, the ruler of the region.

Historical records show that Mukharajas played a crucial role in maintaining the administrative structure of the Gupta Empire, with their provinces being designated as "mukha" or military district. Data available from various inscriptions and sources indicate that the office of the Mukharaj was ranked second in the administrative hierarchy of the Gupta Empire.

Mukharajas were entrusted with the responsibility of organizing and supervising the collection of taxes, under the name of "bhaga." Bhaga, which translates to'share' or 'part', referred to the allocated land grants that government officers and officials were entitled to in their regions. As part of their duties, Mukharajas not only worked towards collecting taxes and maintaining law and order but also were involved in a judicious allocation of wealth among different groups and powerful landowners.

Most of the information available surrounding Mukharajas pertains to a period of time when the Gupta Empire under Chandragupta Vikramaditya was in ascendancy. Efforts by historians have led to a greater understanding of the role played by these officials within the framework of a stiffly structured administration during the reign of the Guptas.