Question

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTION:
Describe governance in the Mauryan empire.

Answer 1

The Mauryan empire consisted of several different parts which were ruled over differently.

• The Empire's capital. The areas adjacent to Pataliputra, the capital of the empire, were under the direct control of the emperor. Officials were supposed to collect taxes from the inhabitants in strict obedience of the ruler's order.
• The Provincial capitals. There were provinces with their own capitals, e.g. Taxila and Ujjain in north west and central India respectively. There was obviously some amount of control from the emperor in Pataliputra: Royal princes were sent as governors.
  
• Other areas. In other areas, Mauryans controlled roads and rivers, which were vital for transport. Resources, whatever available, were collected as tribute.