Question 74 from UPSC CSE 2025 - Ancient History

Question

Ashokan inscriptions suggest that the 'Pradeshika', 'Rajuka', and 'Yukta' were important officers at the:

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. district-level administration

Strategy: Focus on the roles mentioned in Ashokan inscriptions. 'Pradeshika', 'Rajuka', and 'Yukta' are associated with intermediate or regional administration rather than central or village levels. Recognizing that Ashokan governance was hierarchical, these terms signal district-level posts, thus option B aligns with the historical context.

Key Info: Ashokan inscriptions, primarily seen in his major rock edicts, provide significant insights into the Mauryan administrative system. The officer titles mentioned include:

- Pradeshika: An officer who supervised administration at the district level, responsible for law and order, revenue collection, and ensuring imperial edicts were implemented. The term 'Pradeshika' roughly translates to an overseer or supervisor of a region (Pradesha).

- Rajuka: Rajukas were entrusted with both administrative and judicial functions at the district (ahara) level. They had authority over land measurement and assessment, and could even grant pardons and remit punishments. Their status and powers indicate a rank parallel to a modern-day district magistrate.

- Yukta: Yuktas were subordinate officials functioning as executive assistants, accountants, or record keepers at the district level, aiding Pradeshikas and Rajukas in administrative tasks. They ensured the smooth functioning of district governance and collection of taxes.

The Mauryan administrative system was organized into provinces (ruled by royal princes or Aryaputras), further divided into districts (Aharas), with the above officials forming the administrative backbone at this level.

Ashoka's inscriptions do not place these officials at the village or central imperial level, emphasizing their importance in district governance. This arrangement ensured the efficient transmission of royal orders and regular collection of taxes across the widely dispersed Mauryan Empire.

Answer

Option A: village-level administration

Answer

Option C: provincial administration

Answer

Option D: level of the central administration