History & Civics
With reference to the Mauryan administration, write short notes on the following:
(a) The Central Government
(b) District Administration
(c) Revenue system
Mauryan Empire
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Answer
(a) The Central Government — The Mauryan Government was centralised. The king was supreme authority as well as the supreme judge. His throne was hereditary. He was assisted by a council of ministers or Mantri Parishad. The council of ministers was headed by Prime Minister. Each minister was responsible for his department. The council of ministers included Pujari (Purohit), Senapati (War related matters), Sannidhata (the treasure head), Samaharta (taxation expert), etc. The other officers were Accountant General, one incharge of Agriculture, Superintendent of Mines, Superintendent of ports, Controller of Commerce, as well as the Superintendent of Weights and Measures.
(b) District Administration — During Mauryan period, the provinces were further divided into Districts also known as Janapadas. Officers like Pradeshika (tax collector), Rajuka (revenue officer) and Yukta (the treasurer) looked after the administration of districts.
Important cities and the capital of provinces had their own administrative system. The head of the city was called Nagaradhyaksha.
(c) Revenue System — The Revenue System of Mauryan period was very efficient. It was regulated by Samaharta in the ministerial council. The land revenue was the main source of income. Two kinds of taxes were imposed namely Bali and Bhaga. Bhaga was levied on agricultural produce and cattles at the rate of one-sixth while Bali was religious tribute. Toll tax was imposed on articles which were brought for sale. Taxes were also imposed on liquor shops, gambling houses, forests and mines. The income from the revenue collected was used to develop various facilities like roads, irrigation, hospitals and meet expenses of the state.
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