Name: Controlling a Giant: The Structure of the Mauryan Empire
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 5 min 1 s
Description: The Mauryan Empire was the largest in the history of India. It was controlled through a complex network of officials and a division of territory.

Question

Discuss the Mauryan administration in brief.

Accepted Answer

The Mauryan administration was an elaborate administration. It is known for bringing political unity and administrative uniformity is India. Amongst all the rulers Ashoka is upheld for his methods of governing such vast empire.

In the cities that surrounded Pataliputra, Ashoka was the direct controller. He appointed different officials who would collect taxes from towns and villages.

These areas were ruled by officials who were directly selected by Ashoka. These officers also received salaries.

The areas which were far from Pataliputra were divided into provinces which were ruled from their capital cities. For example, the city of Taxila was a provincial capital.

These provincial areas were ruled by royal princes who were appointed as governors. They were required to follow several customs and rules.

The Mauryan administration also had an elaborate system of revenue which was required for maintaining huge army and soldiers. Beside collecting revenue, they also earned from different trade, producing different articles, arms and utilising forest resources, royal holdings and mineral resources.

Discuss the Mauryan administration in brief.

Important Questions on The First Empire: The Mauryas

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