Home > Indian History > History of India > Superintendent of Treasury
Superintendent of Treasury
Superintendent of Treasury is chapter XI of Book II of Arthashastra. The Superintendent of Treasury is primarily responsible for selection of proper gems which are to be included in the royal treasury and conducting mining operations and manufactures.

Share this Article:

Superintendent of Treasury, an eminent government officer, was responsible for collection, selection and distribution of genuine gems which shall be included in the royal treasury. Chapter XI of Book II in Arthashastra provides a wide description of the huge variety of gems. From these gems the original pieces are to be selected. The superintendent of treasury is vested with the responsibility of selecting the proper source of earning for the royal treasury which includes investment on gems and carrying out mining operations as well as manufacturing products.

Superintendent of treasury had been empowered to assess the royal treasury and fill it with all the commodities produced from mineral ore as well as with precious stones and genuine gems which are the state assets. Under him other superintendent of mines, mint and ocean mines function along with the experts of gems. The job of superintendent of treasury as included in Arthashastra includes selection of gems, selection of minerals of various types, selection of ores with heavy metals, selection of ocean minerals as well as commodities produced by these ores like silver coins, copper coins etc.

Superintendent of treasury along with this is also responsible for carrying out the administration of these units as he shall grant punishments to all those who are found guilty in extracting more and paying less. Arthashastra keeps the provision for the superintendent as he may punish those men in mines who steal mine products and not gems as they will be fined with eight times of their value. Any person who steals the mine products or works without license will be caught and bound with chains and will be made to work.

Superintendent of treasury will then collect revenue from all these manufactured products which are extracted from various minerals besides this Arthashastra includes ten more items for collection of revenue. Revenue can be collected from the items like (1) value of the output (mulya), (2) the share of the output (vibhaga), (3) the premium of five percent (vyaji), (4) the testing charge of coins (parigha), (5) fine previously announced (atyaya), (6) toll (sulka), (7) compensation for loss entailed on the king`s commerce (vaidharana), (8) fines to be determined in proportion to the gravity of crimes (danda), (9) coinage (rupa) and (10) the premium of eight percent (rupika).

Thus, the role of superintendent of treasury is supervise the working of all other supervisors who shall look at the working of the mines , selection and collection of gems, manufacturing of coins , and extraction of ocean minerals. The superintendents of mines, mint, ocean minerals etc will be directly answering him for whatever they collect. Overall he shall be responsible to make the treasury of mineral ores and precious stones.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.