Question

Explain the administrative system during the Mauryan period.

Answer 1

Instructions:
The answer to this question can be broken down into three parts.

1. Mention the capital
2. Talk about the division of the empire and the capitals
3. Talk about the administrative services

Solution:
The capital of the Mauryan empire was Pataliputra. For the ease of administration, the empire was divided into four regions, with each region having its own capital. They were the Eastern region, with the capital at Toshali, the Western region, with the capital at Ujjaini, the Southern region, with Suvarnagiri as capital and the Northern region with Takshashila in Pakistan as capital.

The King was advised by a Council of Ministers and there were officers operating on many levels in order to ensure smooth administration. There was an intelligence service which monitored the administration and kept a close watch on the movement of enemies.