Which statement on Mauryan provincial administration is not correct?a)...
-The Mauryan Empire was divided into four provinces with the imperial capital at Pataliputra. From Ashokan edicts, the name of the four provincial capitals were Tosali (in the east), Ujjain in the west, Suvarnagiri (in the south), and Taxila (in the north).
-The viceroys did not had autonomous powers to administer the provinces.
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Which statement on Mauryan provincial administration is not correct?a)...
Mauryan Provincial Administration
Introduction:
The Mauryan Empire, founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 321 BC, was one of the largest and most powerful empires in ancient India. The Mauryan provincial administration was known for its efficient and sophisticated system of governance.
Correct Statement:
Option E, "The viceroys had autonomous powers to administer the provinces", is not correct.
Explanation:
The provincial administration of the Mauryan Empire was highly centralized and hierarchical. The emperor held ultimate authority over the provinces, and he appointed viceroys to govern them. The viceroys were usually members of the royal family or trusted officials who were given considerable autonomy to administer their respective provinces.
However, they did not have complete autonomy, as they were accountable to the emperor and had to follow his directives and policies. The Mauryan administration was known for its efficient system of communication and control, which allowed the emperor to monitor the activities of the viceroys and ensure that they were functioning in accordance with his wishes.
Other Statements:
a) Important provinces had princes of the royal blood as their viceroy - This statement is correct. The Mauryan Empire was divided into several provinces, each of which was governed by a viceroy appointed by the emperor. The more important provinces were usually given to princes of the royal family to govern.
b) The Ashokan inscriptions refer to three viceroys stationed at Taxila, Tosali, and Brahmagiri - This statement is correct. The Ashokan inscriptions, which are a valuable source of information on Mauryan administration, mention the names of several viceroys appointed by Ashoka. Three of the most prominent viceroys were stationed at Taxila, Tosali, and Brahmagiri.
c) Buddhist tradition refers to a fourth viceroy at Ujjaini and a later Saka inscription incidentally refers to a fifth viceroy at Girnar - This statement is correct. According to Buddhist tradition, there was a fourth viceroy appointed by Ashoka to govern Ujjaini. A later Saka inscription also refers to a fifth viceroy appointed by Ashoka to govern Girnar.
d) The viceroy at Girnar under Chandragupta was a Vaisya named Pushyagupta, and the one under Ashoka was a Yavana named Tushashpa - This statement is correct. The Mauryan Empire had a diverse set of officials, including people from different social and ethnic backgrounds. The viceroy at Girnar under Chandragupta was a Vaisya named Pushyagupta, and the one under Ashoka was a Yavana named Tushashpa.
Conclusion:
The Mauryan provincial administration was characterized by a highly centralized and hierarchical system of governance, with the emperor holding ultimate authority over the provinces. While the viceroys were given considerable autonomy to administer their respective provinces, they were ultimately accountable to the emperor and had to follow his directives and policies.
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