In Katata, they governed themselves, by 'Katata-shu' (autonomous organization in Katata) composed of Tonobara-shu (a group of Jizamurai [local samurai]) and Zenjin-shu (a group of artisans, tradesmen and farmers) and they were also called 'Katata Kozoku' (autonomous organization in Katata).
殿原衆（地侍）と全人衆（商工業者・周辺農民）からなる「堅田衆」による自治が行われており、「堅田湖族」とも呼ばれてもいた。