Mauryan Administration
UPSC Notes
The Mauryan Empire developed a highly organised administrative system.
Central Administration
The king was the central authority.
Important officials assisted the king in administration.
The Mantriparishad was an important advisory body.
Provincial Administration
The empire was divided into provinces.
Important provincial centres included:
Taxila
Ujjain
Tosali
Suvarnagiri
Royal princes, known as Kumaras, were sometimes appointed as provincial governors.
District and Local Administration
Officials administered districts and villages.
Important officials mentioned in Mauryan sources include:
Rajukas
Pradeshikas
Yukta
Revenue
Agriculture was an important source of state revenue.
The state also derived income from:
Trade
Forests
Mines
Customs
Various taxes
Army
The Mauryan state maintained a large standing army.
Megasthenes described the military organisation of the empire.
Espionage
The administrative system included a network of spies.
Key Pointers
Capital → Pataliputra
Provinces → important centres such as Taxila and Ujjain
Kumaras → often associated with provincial administration
Agriculture → major revenue source
Rajukas → important administrative officials
Spies → important component of administration
Large standing army → characteristic of Mauryan state
MCQs
Q15. Which city served as an important provincial centre under the Mauryas?
(a) Ujjain
(b) Madurai
(c) Kanchipuram
(d) Puhar
Answer: (a) Ujjain
Explanation: Ujjain was one of the important provincial centres of the Mauryan Empire.
Category: Ancient History – Mauryan Administration
Q16. Which text is traditionally associated with Kautilya's ideas on statecraft and administration?
(a) Arthashastra
(b) Milindapanho
(c) Buddhacharita
(d) Rajatarangini
Answer: (a) Arthashastra
Explanation: The Arthashastra deals extensively with administration, economy, diplomacy, warfare and statecraft.
Category: Ancient History – Mauryan Administration