Which officer was called ‘Chat and Bhat’ during Harsha’s period?

→ During the reign of King Harsha, the common Police personnel or low-ranking officers responsible for maintaining law and order were known as Chat and Bhat.
→ These terms appear in contemporary inscriptions and literary works like Banabhatta's Harshacharita.
→ The significance of these officers was to protect the citizens from thieves and maintain internal security, though they were sometimes feared by the local populace.
→ This indicates a structured law enforcement system that existed alongside the military and revenue departments.
Information Booster

→ The higher-ranking police officers were called Dandapashika.
→ Banabhatta describes them as being present during the King's marches to prevent disorder.
→ The term 'Chat' refers to regular police, while 'Bhat' refers to irregular or auxiliary forces.
→ They were also responsible for serving summons and arresting criminals.
→ Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese traveler, noted that while the laws were strict, the presence of such officers ensured relatively safe travel.
Additional Information

Option (A) Revenue: Revenue officers in Harsha's time were called Bhagika or Bhogika, responsible for collecting land tax.
Option (B) Military: Military officers had titles like Mahasenapati or Baladhikrita; 'Chat and Bhat' were distinct from the formal standing army.
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