The Satavahana kingdom was well administered. The king was supreme in the state. He was regarded as the protector of religion. He was believed to possess divine powers. The empire was divided into provinces ruled by civil and military governors. The provinces were divided into districts, called Aharas. These were administered by certain officials, namely Amatyas and Mahamatyas, The rural areas were headed by Goulmikas. The Goulmikas were responsible for collecting the revenue or land tax.