Mauryan Administration: Central, Provincial, Judicial
Systems
The Mauryan Empire, under the reign of Chandragupta
Maurya and his successors, witnessed a remarkable
system of administration that set new standards for
governance in ancient India. It was known for its efficient
bureaucracy and innovative policies, the Mauryan
administration was characterized by a strong central
authority, well-defined administrative divisions, and a
sophisticated system of taxation and law enforcement.
Central Mauryan administration
Administrative Divisions: The Mauryan Empire was
divided into direct-administered regions, including the
capital region of Pataliputra, and four provinces based at
Suvarnagiri, Ujjain, Taxila, and Tosali.
Extensive Bureaucracy: The empire had an extensive
bureaucracy, with each department having a large staff
of superintendents and subordinate officers linked to
central and local governments.
Central Mauryan administration: The king led the
administration, supported by a council of ministers, a
priest (Purohita), and secretaries known as
mahamatriyas.
Espionage System: An espionage system was
established for intelligence gathering and oversight of
officers, with spies recommended to work in disguise
according to the Arthashastra.
Hierarchy and Salaries: The administration followed a
hierarchical structure. Important officials called ‘tirthas’
received salaries in cash. Enormous disparities existed
in salaries, with high-ranking functionaries like Mantrin
(ministers), high priests (Purohita), commanders-in-chief
(Senapati), and crown princes (Yuvaraja) earning as
much as 48,000 panas and lowest officers receiving 60
panas or as little as 10 or 20 panas.
Pana equals three-fourths of a tola.
Provincial Mauryan administration
Governors: Provinces were overseen by governors,
often royal princes, who were responsible for the
administration and governance of their respective
regions.
Replication of Central Mauryan administration: In each
province, the Mauryan state replicated its revenue,
judicial administration, and bureaucracy to ensure a
uniform system of governance throughout the empire.
SEVEN ELEMENTS OF KAUTILYA’S SAPTANGA
THEORY
1. Svamin The King
2. Durg Fortified Capital
3. Janapada Territory and Population
4. Danda/Bala Army Or Force
5. Amatya The Secretary
6. Kosha The Treasury
7. Mitra Ally
District and Village Mauryan administration
District Administration: Each district was under the
command of a Sthanika, while Gopas were responsible
for overseeing five to ten villages, ensuring local
governance and administration.
Village Administration: Villages were semi-autonomous
and governed by a Gramani, appointed by the central
government, along with a council of village elders,
maintaining local order and resolving disputes.
Urban Administration: Urban areas were managed by a
Nagarika, responsible for the administration and
development of cities within the Mauryan Empire.
Judicial Mauryan administration
Justice was administered through courts established in
all the major towns. Two types of courts existed:
Dharmasthiya Courts: These courts dealt with civil law
matters such as marriage and inheritance. They were
presided over by three judges well-versed in sacred
laws and three Amatyas (secretaries) assisting them.
Kantakasodhana Courts: These courts were responsible
for removing thorns, i.e., eliminating anti-social elements
and addressing crimes. Like modern police, they were
presided over by three judges and three Amatyas,
relying on a network of spies for information.
Punishments: Punishments for crimes in the Mauryan
Empire were typically severe, reflecting a strict legal
system aimed at maintaining social order and deterring
criminal activities.
Mauryan Important Officers
1. Sitadhyaksha Supervised agriculture 2.
Bandhanagaradhyaksha looked after the jail
3. Pautavadhyaksha Superintendent of weight and
measure
4. Panyadhyaksha Incharge of trade and commerce
5. Lohadhyaksha, Sauvarnika Looked after goods
manufactured in the centres. 6. Dandapala Head of
Police
7. Nava Adhyaksha Superintendent of ships
8. Sulkaadhyaksha Collector of tolls
9. Annapala Head of Food Grains Department
10. Durgapal Head of Royal Fort
11. Koshadhyaksha Treasury Officer
12. Akaradhyaksha Mining Officer
13. Nayaka City Security Chief
14. Vyabharika Chief Judge
15. Karmantika Head of Industries and Factories
16. Ayudhagaradhyaksha Look production and
maintenance of a variety of armaments
17. Swarn Adhyaksha Officer of Gold Department
18. Kupyadhyaksha Officer of Forest
The Mauryan period witnessed a remarkable evolution
in administrative practices, setting a benchmark for
governance in ancient India. Under the rule of
Chandragupta, Bindusara, and particularly Ashoka, the
Mauryan Empire implemented a sophisticated
administrative system that incorporated efficient
bureaucracy, extensive infrastructure development, and
innovative methods of governance. This period’s
administrative achievements, as evidenced by Ashoka’s
rock edicts, demonstrate a visionary approach to
governance that left a lasting legacy in Indian history.
