Mahapratihara was the title given to the chief doorkeeper or guard in ancient Hindu kingdoms. The name occurs in Hindu inscriptions, law books, literary works, etc. However, it is not as frequently met with as the epithet pratihara (also spelled as pratiharin), which literally means ‘a doorkeeper.’ The prefix maha means ‘chief, great’. Mahapratihara refers to a superior officer above all doorkeepers, the great chamberlain, who performed a very important job. Some epigraphs give the impression that mahapratihara was in charge of the defense of the royal palace or bed-chamber of the defense of the royal palace or bed-chamber or the head of the guards of the city gate. Some of the Dharmashastras, however, describe him as a chamberlain or inviter of grants. The Mahabharata (Adi Parva 85.28-29), Vishnudharmottara Purana (II.24, 12) and Sukranitisara (I.121) also refer to the mahapratiharas. The Basarh seals mention several high officials like uparika (governor), kumaramatya (cadet min