In the context of the Later Vedic literature, which term was used to designate the royal treasurer or the chief custodian of the king's treasury?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The term Sangahitri designates the royal treasurer or the chief custodian of the king's treasury during the Later Vedic period, a time when political administration and taxation systems grew increasingly structured. Other officials mentioned in Vedic texts include the Bhagaduga as the tax collector and the Kshattri as the chamberlain, whereas the Akshavapa served as the superintendent of gambling. This administrative hierarchy illustrates the growing complexity of state machinery in early Indian society. The Shatapatha Brahmana provides extensive details regarding these royal functionaries known as Ratnis.