Mauryan Administration System

Exam-Oriented Q&A

Q1: What role did the Mantriparishad play in Mauryan governance?
Answer: It served as the emperor’s council of ministers, advising on policy and administration.

Q2: Name the seven elements of Kautilya’s saptanga theory.
Answer: Swami, Amatya, Janapada, Durga, Kosha, Danda, and Mitra.

Q3: How was local administration organized in Pataliputra?
Answer: Through six civic committees, each with five members, managing public utilities and records.

Q4: What were adhyakshas, and how many were there?
Answer: Adhyakshas were economic superintendents overseeing specific sectors; there were 27.

Q5: How did provincial governorship support centralization?
Answer: Governors reported directly to the emperor, maintaining consistent administration across provinces.