- not highly centralized like Maurya, but some level of centrality until Skandagupta
- 2nd half of 5th century: decentralization of Gupta administration started
- weak gupta rulers granted autonomy to many imp feudatories like
- Yashodharman of Malwa
- Maukhari of Kannauj
- Maitraka of Saurashtra
- Visthi (bonded labour) also practiced
