The “Kutcheri” system

 The Kutcheri under Tipu Sultan in Mysore referred to a central administrative office or bureau responsible for managing various functions of the state, especially in matters related to revenue, finance, and administration. The term "Kutcheri" (sometimes spelled as "Kacheri") was commonly used in South India to denote a government office or court of administrative dealings.

Key Aspects of the Kutcheri System:

1. Revenue Collection and Administration:

The Kutcheri was primarily responsible for overseeing the collection of taxes and land revenue. Under Tipu Sultan’s rule, the administration was highly organized, with systematic assessments of agricultural land and the imposition of taxes based on productivity.

Revenue officials known as Amildars were appointed to manage revenue collection at the district level. They reported directly to the Kutcheri and implemented the state's fiscal policies.

2. Judicial Functions:

In addition to revenue and administrative tasks, the Kutcheri also functioned as a judicial center. It was where disputes, particularly related to land, taxation, and commerce, were adjudicated. 

Tipu Sultan implemented a system of justice that combined traditional Islamic principles (Sharia) with local customs and Hindu laws, making the Kutcheri a place for addressing various legal matters.

3. Military Administration:

Some Kutcheris were also responsible for maintaining records related to military expenditures, the provisioning of troops, and logistics. Tipu Sultan placed a high emphasis on military preparedness, and the administrative apparatus supported the efficient operation of the army.

  

4. Offices of Provincial and Local Governance:

The Kutcheri served as the local office for provincial governors or Foujdars, who were responsible for the administration of a particular region or district. These officials managed law and order, defense, and revenue at the regional level, while being directly accountable to Tipu Sultan's central government.

   

5. Regulation of Trade and Commerce:

Tipu Sultan’s government also used the Kutcheri to regulate trade, especially in the state-controlled sectors like silk, sandalwood, and spices. Import and export duties were levied through the Kutcheri, making it a hub of economic regulation.

6. Financial Management:

The Kutcheri was a center for managing the state's treasury and financial transactions. Officials here were responsible for maintaining the accounts of the Sultanate, disbursing salaries to officials and the military, and ensuring that funds were allocated efficiently across the various arms of the state.

Tipu Sultan's administrative reforms reflected his vision of a centralized and well-governed state. The Kutcheri system played a pivotal role in maintaining this governance structure by acting as the nerve center for local administration, revenue, and judicial affairs.