In later Vedic administration, the officer known as 'Bhagadugha' was the:

In the later Vedic period, the "Bhagadugha" was the officer responsible for collecting the king's share of the produce, that is, the tax collector.

About the Bhagadugha:

• The word comes from "bhaga" (share) and "dugh" (to milk), meaning "one who milks the share", or the collector of the king's share.
• In the later Vedic period, the king received a regular share of the produce from the people, usually a part of the crops and cattle.
• The Bhagadugha was in charge of collecting this share.
• He was one of the "ratnins" (important officials) of the king, who were honoured during the Rajasuya sacrifice.

Taxes in the Vedic period:

• In the early Vedic period, people gave voluntary gifts called "bali" to the chief.
• In the later Vedic period, "bali" became a regular, compulsory tax.
• The Vaishyas were the main taxpayers.
• "Shulka" (customs or duties) and "bhaga" (share of produce) are mentioned in later texts.

Other ratnins of the later Vedic period:

• "Senani": commander of the army.
• "Suta": charioteer and bard.
• "Akshavapa": keeper of the dice (or the accountant).
• "Kshattri": chamberlain.
• "Govikartana": king's companion in the hunt.
• "Palagala": messenger.
• "Mahishi": chief queen.

Growth of royal power:

• The appointment of officials, regular taxation and elaborate sacrifices show the growth of royal power in the later Vedic period.
• Officials were usually chosen from the king's relatives and from the upper varnas.

Why not the other options?

• ✗The commander of the army was the Senani.
• ✗The royal charioteer was the Suta.
• ✗The keeper of the dice was the Akshavapa.