Administration in Maurya Empire:

The Maurya Empire, which was established by Chandragupta Maurya in the 4th century BCE, was one of the largest and most powerful empires in ancient India. The administration of the Maurya Empire was highly organized and efficient.

Central Administration:
- The empire was divided into several provinces called Mahajanapadas, which were further divided into districts called Janapadas.
- The central administration was headed by the king, who had absolute power and was assisted by a council of ministers.
- The king's council consisted of various ministers who were responsible for different aspects of governance such as finance, defense, and foreign affairs.

Provincial Administration:
- The provinces were ruled by governors appointed by the king. These governors were responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and implementing the king's policies.
- Each province had a capital city, which served as the administrative center.
- The provinces were further divided into smaller administrative units called villages, which were governed by local village heads.

Taxation and Revenue:
- The Maurya Empire had a well-organized system of taxation. The main sources of revenue were agriculture, trade, and land revenue.
- The land revenue was collected from the farmers, who had to pay a fixed percentage of their agricultural produce as tax.
- The empire also collected taxes on trade and commerce, which included customs duties and tolls on goods transported through trade routes.

Law and Justice:
- The Maurya Empire had a strong legal system. The king was the supreme judge and lawgiver.
- The empire had a code of laws known as the Arthashastra, which covered various aspects of administration, governance, and justice.
- The king appointed judges who were responsible for the administration of justice at the local level.
- The empire also had a well-established system of courts and prisons to deal with criminal cases.

Military Administration:
- The Maurya Empire had a powerful army, which played a crucial role in maintaining the empire's control over its vast territories.
- The army was organized into different units and divisions, with each unit having its own commander.
- The king was the supreme commander of the army and had full control over its operations.
- The army was responsible for protecting the empire's borders, suppressing rebellions, and maintaining internal security.

Overall, the administration of the Maurya Empire was highly centralized and efficiently managed. It had a strong system of governance, taxation, law, and military administration, which contributed to the empire's stability and prosperity.