Briefly explain the administrative system followed by the Gupta kings.

The administrative system followed by the Gupta period is described below:

1. The king was the head of the administration. The king was assisted by a council of ministers or Mantri Parishad. The most important ministers were the Kumaramatyas.
2. The Gupta Empire was decentralized. It was divided into provinces called Bhuktis for better administration and governance. Each Bhukti was placed under the charge of an officer called Uparika.
3. The bhukti were further subdivided into districts called Vishyas, which were placed under the charge of Vishyapati.
4. The village formed the lowest unit of administration. The village headman or Grampati managed the village affairs.
5. The far-flung areas were ruled by feudatory chiefs who used to pay tribute to the Gupta Kings.