Mauryan Economy And Taxation

Exam-Oriented Q&A

Q1: What was the primary source of revenue in the Mauryan economy?
Answer: Land tax (Bhāga), usually one-sixth of the agricultural produce.

Q2: Name two officials responsible for revenue and treasury.
Answer: Samāharta (revenue collector) and Sannidhāta (treasurer).

Q3: What type of currency was used in the Mauryan Empire?
Answer: Punch-marked silver coins called Pana and Karshapana.

Q4: What were crown lands (Sita), and how were they managed?
Answer: Lands directly owned and cultivated by the state, managed by the Sitadhyaksha.

Q5: How did the Mauryan state regulate trade and commerce?
Answer: Through superintendents like the Panyadhyaksha and Sulkadhyaksha, who oversaw markets and tolls.