In the administrative vocabulary of the Pallava dynasty, what was the primary responsibility entrusted to the official designated as 'Dutaka'?

💡 Solution & Explanation

In Pallava administrative records, particularly copper plate land grants, the Dutaka functioned as the messenger or royal emissary tasked with conveying the king's land grant orders to local administrative officers and village assemblies. This official ensured that land demarcations and fiscal exemptions were formally executed on the ground. Military commanders managed cavalry divisions, while village sabhas handled local judicial matters. Epigraphical studies of Pallava charters frequently mention the specific name of the Dutaka.