 Inscriptions and other literary records indicate the Rashtrakutas selected the crown prince based on heredity . The crown did not always pass on to the eldest son . Abilities were considered more important than age and chronology of birth , as exemplified by the crowning of Govinda III who was the third son of king Dhruva Dharavarsha . The most important position under the king was the Chief Minister ( Mahasandhivigrahi ) whose position came with five insignia commensurate with his position namely , a flag , a conch , a fan , a white umbrella , a large drum and five musical instruments called Panchamahashabdas . Under him was the commander ( Dandanayaka ) , the foreign minister ( Mahakshapataladhikrita ) and a prime minister ( Mahamatya or Purnamathya ) , all of whom were usually associated with one of the feudatory kings and must have held a position in government equivalent to a premier . A Mahasamantha was a feudatory or higher ranking regal officer . All cabinet ministers were well versed in political science ( Rajneeti ) and possessed military training . There were cases where women supervised significant areas as when Revakanimaddi , daughter of Amoghavarsha I , administered Edathore Vishaya . 
