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With reference to the administrative system of the Mauryan Empire, consider the following statements:
1. The administrative system involved the division of the empire into provinces each under the direct governance of a Pradeshika.
2. Gopa was responsible for looking after the goods that were manufactured in the empire.
3. The decision of the council of ministers of the Mauryan Empire was final in all respects.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • a)
    Only one Statement 
  • b)
    Only two Statements 
  • c)
    All the three Statements
  • d)
    None of the Above
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
With reference to the administrative systemof the Mauryan Empire, cons...
  • The administrative structure of the Mauryan Empire involved a division of the empire into provinces, each under the direct governance of a prince (kumara) or a member of the royal family. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
  • The inscriptions suggest four such provinces – a southern one with its center at Survarnagiri, a northern province with a capital at Taxila, a western one with its capital at Ujjayini, and an eastern one with its capital at Tosali. Ashokan inscriptions also referred to these governors as kumara, suggesting a continuation of the tradition of appointing royal princes to these important posts.
  • Senior officers called pradeshikas were tasked with touring the empire every five years and performing an audit as well as keeping a check on the provincial administration. In addition, there were judicial officers, rajukas, in both urban and rural areas, whose judicial functions often combined with the assessment of revenue. A well-organized administration was needed for a variety of tasks such as surplus production, extraction of surplus, distribution or expenditure, a strong army to conquer areas, tax collection from traders and agriculturalists, etc.
  • The Arthashastra and even Ashokan edicts mention a Mantri Parishad (council of ministers). It is mentioned in the Arthashastra that the state cannot function without the assistance of ministers. Yet the Council had to report its opinion to the king immediately. The primary role of the Council was advisory in nature. The king’s decision was final in all respects. Hence statement 3 is not correct.
  • As per Megasthanese's Indica, there are numerous references to different committees in the district councils. Panyadhyaksha was responsible to look after trade and commerce and inspect weights and measures. The collection of taxes was the responsibility of Sulkahyaksha and the registration of births and deaths was the work of Gopa. The head of the urban administration was called Nagarika. He was assisted by two subordinate officials-Gopa and Sthanika. Other officials are also mentioned such as Bandhanagaradhyaksha (looked after the jail); Rakshi (i.e. the police; looked after the security of the people); Lohadhyaksha, Sauvarnika (officials who looked after goods that were manufactured in the centers). Hence statement 2 is not correct.
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With reference to the administrative systemof the Mauryan Empire, cons...
Understanding the Administrative System of the Mauryan Empire
The Mauryan Empire, one of the largest empires in ancient India, had a complex administrative system. Let's analyze the statements provided:
1. Division of the Empire into Provinces
- The empire was indeed divided into provinces, but these were governed by a Uttarapatha (Governor), not specifically a Pradeshika. The term Pradeshika refers more to local officials rather than the provincial heads.
2. Role of Gopa
- The Gopa was primarily a district officer responsible for local governance, particularly security and law enforcement, rather than overseeing goods manufactured in the empire. The responsibilities for manufacturing were typically under different officials.
3. Decisions of the Council of Ministers
- While the council of ministers, known as the Mantriparishad, played a significant advisory role, the emperor held ultimate authority over decisions. Thus, the decisions were not necessarily final without the emperor's approval.
Conclusion
Considering the inaccuracies in each statement, the correct answer is option 'D' (None of the Above). Each statement misrepresents the actual roles and structure of the administrative system within the Mauryan Empire.
Understanding these nuances is crucial for grasping the governance of one of history's most influential empires.
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With reference to the administrative systemof the Mauryan Empire, consider thefollowing statements:1. The administrative system involved thedivision of the empire into provinceseach under the direct governance of a Pradeshika.2. Gopa was responsible for looking afterthe goods that were manufactured in theempire.3. The decision of the council of ministersof the Mauryan Empire was final in allrespects.Which of the statements given above is/arecorrect?a)Only one Statementb)Only two Statementsc)All the three Statementsd)None of the AboveCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
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With reference to the administrative systemof the Mauryan Empire, consider thefollowing statements:1. The administrative system involved thedivision of the empire into provinceseach under the direct governance of a Pradeshika.2. Gopa was responsible for looking afterthe goods that were manufactured in theempire.3. The decision of the council of ministersof the Mauryan Empire was final in allrespects.Which of the statements given above is/arecorrect?a)Only one Statementb)Only two Statementsc)All the three Statementsd)None of the AboveCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about With reference to the administrative systemof the Mauryan Empire, consider thefollowing statements:1. The administrative system involved thedivision of the empire into provinceseach under the direct governance of a Pradeshika.2. Gopa was responsible for looking afterthe goods that were manufactured in theempire.3. The decision of the council of ministersof the Mauryan Empire was final in allrespects.Which of the statements given above is/arecorrect?a)Only one Statementb)Only two Statementsc)All the three Statementsd)None of the AboveCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for With reference to the administrative systemof the Mauryan Empire, consider thefollowing statements:1. The administrative system involved thedivision of the empire into provinceseach under the direct governance of a Pradeshika.2. Gopa was responsible for looking afterthe goods that were manufactured in theempire.3. The decision of the council of ministersof the Mauryan Empire was final in allrespects.Which of the statements given above is/arecorrect?a)Only one Statementb)Only two Statementsc)All the three Statementsd)None of the AboveCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?.
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