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| Chandragupta Maurya/Source:Wikimedia |
These notes will provide you a brief overview of the Mauryan administration.
1. Central Administration
- The Mauryan Empire had a centralized administrative system.
- The king was the supreme authority and headed the central administration.
- A council of ministers advised the king on various matters of governance and policy-making.
- The council included important officials such as the prime minister, treasurer, and chief justice.
2. Provincial Administration
- The empire was divided into provinces known as "Janapadas" or "Mahajanapadas."
- Each Janapada was headed by a governor called "Mahamatya" appointed by the king.
- The governor was responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and overseeing the administration of the province.
- The provinces were further divided into districts called "Vishayas," which were governed by officials known as "Vishayapatis."
3. Revenue Administration
- The Mauryan Empire had a well-organized revenue administration system.
- Land revenue was the primary source of income for the empire.
- The empire employed officials called "Samahartas" or revenue collectors who assessed and collected taxes from the cultivators.
- The Arthashastra, written by Chanakya, provided guidelines for revenue collection and administration.
- The revenue collected was used for various purposes, including the maintenance of the army, construction of public works, and administration.
4. Judicial Administration
- The Mauryan Empire had a comprehensive legal system to ensure justice and maintain law and order.
- The king was the highest judicial authority and ensured the fair and impartial administration of justice.
- The legal system was based on the principles of Dharma (righteousness) and was influenced by the Dharmashastra texts.
- The empire had lower courts called "Vyavaharika" and higher courts known as "Dharmasthiyas."
- The judicial system dealt with civil and criminal cases and included procedures for evidence, witnesses, and punishment.
5. Administrative Divisions
- The Mauryan Empire was divided into administrative units known as "Mahajanapadas" or "Janapadas."
- The provinces were further divided into smaller districts called "Vishayas."
- Each Vishaya had a local administration headed by a "Vishayapati" or district officer.
- The local administration dealt with day-to-day governance, collection of taxes, and maintenance of law and order.
6. Military Administration
- The Mauryan Empire had a powerful and well-organized military.
- The army consisted of infantry, cavalry, chariotry, and elephants.
- The army played a crucial role in protecting the empire's borders and maintaining internal security.
- The military was headed by a high-ranking officer called the "Senapati" or commander-in-chief.
- The Mauryans maintained a standing army and also had provisions for mobilizing troops during times of war.
7. Public Works and Infrastructure
- The Mauryan Empire emphasized the construction of public works and infrastructure.
- The empire built roads and established a network of highways for trade and communication.
- Irrigation projects, such as canals and reservoirs, were developed to support agriculture.
- The capital city of Pataliputra was a well-planned urban center with palaces, temples, and other architectural marvels.
8. Welfare Measures
- The Mauryan administration introduced welfare measures for the well-being of its subjects.
- The empire provided relief during times of famine and natural disasters.
- Medical facilities were established, and healthcare was provided to the people.
- The Arthashastra mentions the existence of welfare departments to cater to the needs of the less fortunate.