Reciprocity and political authority: An early state in South India

Abstract

The Kadambas of Goa of south India emerged as a notable ruling power in Goa in the tenth century CE. This article discusses the nature of the interaction between the rulers and the ruled, utilising the early state theory of Henri J.M. Claessen. To achieve political and social authority, the kings of this early state employed diverse strategies. Some of these schemes involved elaborating a genealogy and entering into matrimonial alliances with the dominant powers of the region. But reciprocity and distribution of power also played an important role in achieving legitimacy for the rulers. The creation of brahmana settlements resulted in agrarian expansion and the establishment of the puranic order, which went a long way in achieving legitimacy for the ruling class, allowing the temporal and spiritual authorities to interact with each other.