Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow:

"According to Megasthenes, the army was controlled by a war office consisting of 30 members distributed among 6 boards who were incharge of different departments. Behind the success of the army was the diplomacy of the Mauryas."

(Source: https://www.du.ac.in/uploads/new-web/04012023_Appendix-108.pdf)

(a) What were the responsibilities of the six boards managing the administration of Pataliputra?

(b) How did the division of responsibilities among the boards ensure efficient civic management?

(c) How does this system reflect the advanced administrative organisation of the Mauryan Empire?

(a) The administration was managed by a committee of 30 members, divided into six boards, each responsible for specific functions.

1. The first board was concerned with industries and arts.
2. The second board looked after the needs of the foreigners.
3. The third board recorded the births and deaths.
4. The fourth board regulated the trade and commerce and checked weights and measures.
5. The fifth board ensured the quality of the manufactured articles.
6. The sixth board collected taxes on sold goods at the rate of 10% of their price.

(b) The division of responsibilities among the six boards ensured efficient civic management by allowing specialization and clear accountability. Each board focused on a specific task, reducing overlap and confusion. This structure improved coordination, streamlined decision-making, and contributed to the smooth functioning of the Mauryan administration.

(c) The system reflects the advanced administrative organisation of the Mauryan Empire through its clear division of duties, specialization, and efficient management. The use of multiple boards for different military and civic functions shows a well-structured bureaucracy capable of handling complex governance. It highlights the Mauryas' ability to plan, coordinate, and control resources effectively across a vast empire.