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Question

Which of the following administrative features was a key characteristic of the Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta Maurya?

The correct answer is
Centralised bureaucracy guided by Arthashastra

Mauryan Empire Administration Key Features

The Mauryan Empire, particularly under Chandragupta Maurya, was known for its sophisticated administrative system. Analyzing the options provided:

  • Option 1 (Feudal land grant system) is incorrect. This system became more prominent in later periods.
  • Option 2 (Hereditary provincial governors) is less accurate. While provincial governors existed, they were typically appointed by the central authority rather than being hereditary.
  • Option 3 (Centralised bureaucracy guided by Arthashastra) accurately reflects the Mauryan administrative structure. Kautilya's Arthashastra heavily influenced the state's organization, emphasizing a strong central government, efficient bureaucracy, and systematic revenue collection.
  • Option 4 (Revenue collection by religious institutions) is incorrect. The state managed revenue collection directly.

Therefore, the most prominent administrative feature was the strong emphasis on a centralised bureaucracy, which was meticulously planned and guided by the principles laid out in the Arthashastra. This ensured effective control and administration across the vast empire.

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Important Questions from Mauryan Empire

  1. During the Mauryan period, the village headman in North India was known by ________.
  2. The Mauryan empire was founded by Chandragupta Maurya in which of the following years?

  3. The Mauryan empire was founded by Chandragupta Maurya in which of the following years?

  4. Given below are two statements: 
    Statement I: 
    The Arthrashastra is a treatise on government and economics ascribed to Kautilya, the chief advisor of Chandragupta Maurya. 
    Statement II: 
    By the third century B.C. the economy of North India was predominantly agrarian. Land revenue had become the accepted source of income for the government. Kautilya refers at length to methods of tax collection and related problems. Modifications in land tax appeared to be the direct concern of the king. 
    In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  5. Given below are two statements : 

    Statement I: 

    'Dhamma' is the Prakrit form of the Sanskrit word 'Dharma', meaning according to the context, the universal law or righteousness or, by Social Extension and Religious order as found in Hindu society. 

    Statement II : 

    The term 'Dhamma' was propogated by Ashoka for Buddhism when he adopted the same and started propogating it. 

    In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

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