Home > Indian History > History of India > Administration of Mauryan Dynasty
Administration of Mauryan Dynasty
Administration of Mauryan dynasty was confidently branched into central and provincial governments, ensuing hassle-free

Share this Article:

The Mauryan dynasty under the tremendous and able hands of Chandragupta Maurya or Ashoka, had witnessed a smooth run of administration and competent reign of rulers. The government was based on the system of hierarchy and centralisation, ensuring hiring of loads of staff, to guarantee that work was carried on efficiently and resourcefully. Taxes were collected in regular basis, trade and commerce went on in a hassle free manner, subjects were taken care of and the military wing was ever ready to fight out any kind of external antagonism or hazard. Every province possessed its own officials who dealt with administration at grassroots level. The economy of Mauryan Empire was fundamentally based upon agrarian outputs and the primary profession of people was agriculture and farming. The stately city of the Mauryas, Magadha was wondrously embellished and was equipped with every kind of facility that any modern city could possess.

Administration of Mauryan dynasty was in a lot ways, pretty similar to the present day Indian administration. The empire was basically divided into four provinces, with the royal capital based at Pataliputra. The Ashokan edicts further add information of the names of the other four provincial capitals, being Tosali in the east, Ujjain in the west, Suvarnagiri in the south and Taxila in the north. The Kumara or royal prince served as the head of the provincial administration, who ruled over the provinces as the `king`s representative`. The kumara was additionally aided on by Mahamatyas and a council of ministers. Officials called pradeshikas or Sthanikas were appointed in charge of the districts. The Gramanis acted as chiefs of the villages. This administrational structure was revealed at the grand level, with the Emperor and his Mantriparishad, or Council of Ministers. Though he was an absolute ruler and wielded absolute power, he was answerable to his subjects. His majesty was the supreme head of the army; he was also the chief justice of the country. And in his work and profession, the emperor was assisted by the Yuvaraja.

According to a historian`s view, the administration of the Mauryan dynasty was in line with the panoptic bureaucracy delineated by Kautilya in his Arthashastra. Mauryan Empire emoted a classy and chic civil service, governing everything from municipal sanitation to international dealings. The rise and further rise and defence of the empire was made possible by what comes along to have been the biggest standing army of its time. According to Megasthenese, Mauryan dynasty handled and dealt with a military prowess of 600,000 infantry, 30,000 cavalry and 9,000 combating elephants. An incredible espionage system gathered intelligence information for both internal and external safekeeping functions. There also lies proof that women were included as spies in the intelligence system. Having abdicated odious warfare and expansionism, Ashoka nonetheless continued to sustain this enormous army, to shield the Empire and ingrain stability and peace throughout West and South Asia.

Administration of Pataliputra
Pataliputra served as the capital city of the Mauryan Empire. Hence, administration under Mauryan dynasty of this highly legendary and functional city called for sensitivity. Six boards or departments looked after the municipal administration of the city. Every board further possessed five members. These boards looked after the commercial domains like industries, census, trade, manufactures and their sale, collection of taxes and well-being of non-citizens living in the city.

Administration of Justice
The emperor`s court at Pataliputra served the highest court of Justice. Judicial courts were also bui8ldet up in all parts of the country, to ensure a successful dispensation. Petty cases were determined by the gram panchayats; punishments inflicted were stern. The judicial officers were known as rajukas.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.