Mauryan Administration


Ashoka The Emperor Who Gave Up War II - Concepts
Class - 6th CBSE Subjects
 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Mauryan Administration

The Mauryan Administration:

The Mauryan Administration was a totalitarian one i.e., the monarch had absolute power, though a benevolent one. Adhyakshas (superintendents), Yuktas (subordinate officers), Pradeshikas (Provincial officers) and Rajjukas (district officers) were responsible for variety of duties, including the collection of taxes and revenues.

  • The Mauryan Administration was a totalitarian one i.e., the monarch had absolute power, though a benevolent one. Adhyakshas (superintendents), Yuktas (subordinate officers), Pradeshikas (Provincial officers) and Rajjukas (district officers) were responsible for variety of duties, including the collection of taxes and revenues.
  • The establishment of the Mauryan empire in contrast to the earlier smaller kingdoms ushered in a new form of government, that of a centralized empire.
  • The Mauryan Empire indicates the triumph of monarchy as a political system over tribal republics. A study of the Arthasastra in conjunction with the edicts provides information regarding the administrative structure.

  • At the centre of the structure was the king who had the power to enact laws. Kautilya advises the King to promulgate dharma when the social order based on the varnas and ashramas (stages in life) perishes.
  • The king is called by him dharmapravartaka or promulgator of the social order. There was a council of ministers or mantri- parishad to advise the king and at times this may have acted as a political check.
  • The Mauryan centralized monarchy became a paternal despotism under Ashoka. Ashoka in his 1st separate Edict (Dhauli and Jauguda) says “Savve Munisse Paja Mama”. (All men are my children). The Mauryan king did not claim any divine origin yet they attempted to emphasize the connection between kinship and divine power.
  • Provinces:

    The Mauryan provinces were huge and were ruled by Viceroys who were generally princes.The empire was divided into four provinces- Magadha, Ujjain, Taxila and Swarnagiri.

    Districts: 

    The provinces were further divided into administrative districts called Janapadas. They were managed by officials called sthanikas.

    Villages: 

  • Each district consisted of group of five to ten villages. Gopas or ganardhans maintained records of all the resources of the villages under them.
  • Each village was headed by an official called the gramin. His job was to regulate lands and water right and to collect taxes and fines.
  • Villages enjoyed a certain level of autonomy (independence). The day to day affairs of the villages were managed by village elders.
  • .... (More Text Available, Login?)
    Sample Questions
    (More Questions for each concept available in Login)
    Question : 1

    The ambassador of Selecus in the court of Chandragupta Maurya was _____________

    Right Option : C
    View Explanation
    Explanation
    Question : 2

    The Mauryan centralized monarchy became a paternal despotism under ___________________

    Right Option : B
    View Explanation
    Explanation
    Question : 3

    The __________ Administration  was a totalitarian one i.e., the monarch had absolute power.

    Right Option : A
    View Explanation
    Explanation
     
     
     


    Students / Parents Reviews [20]