Discuss the main features of the Mauryan administration. Which of these elements are evident in the Asokan inscriptions that you have studied?
Answers
Asokan inscriptions mention all the main features of the administration of the Mauryan Empire. Thus, the features of the administration are evident in the inscriptions of the Asokan age. The important features of the same are as follow:
1. The capital of the Mauryan Empire was Pataliputra. Apart from the capital there ' were four other centres of political power in the empire. They were Taxila, Ujjaini,
Tosali and Suvamagiri.
2. Committee and subcommittees were formed to run the administration and safety of boundaries. Megasthenes has mentioned that there were one committee and six sub-committees. The six subcommittees and their areas of activities are as follows:
(i) The first sub committee looked after navy.
(ii) The second sub committee looked after transport and communications.
(iii) The third sub committee looked after infantry.
(iv) The fourth sub committee had the responsibility of horses.
(v) The fifth had the responsibility of chariots.
(vi)The sixth had the responsibility of elephants.
3. Strong network of roads and communications were established. It is notable that no large empire can be maintained in the absence of the same.
4. Asoka made an attempt to keep the empire united by the philosophy of Dhamma. Dhamma are nothing but moral principles that actuated people towards good conducts. Special officers called Dhamma Mahamtras were appointed to propagate Dhamma. In fact Romila Thapar has made it the most important element of the Asokan state’s governing principle.
Answer: It was such a big empire that it could not have a unified administrative structure, historians assume that administrative control was greatest in the capital and provincial centres.
Explanation:
The Mauryan Empire had five main political centres: Patliputra (the capital city) and the provincial centres of Taxila, Ujjayini, Tosali, and Suvarnagiri.
Because such a big empire could not have a unified administrative structure, historians assume that administrative control was greatest in the capital and provincial centres.
To manage the Empire, communications through land and riverine channels were constructed.
The army was a crucial weapon for not just expanding but also governing the empire's domains.
To coordinate military efforts, committees and sub-committees were created. They were in charge of the fleet, horses, chariots, and elephants, as well as recruiting soldiers and overseeing transportation and food supplies for soldiers.
Asoka kept his Empire together by spreading the Dhamma ideology, the ideas of which were simple and widely applicable. The philosophy promoted the concepts of peace, nonviolence, and reverence for elders. Dhamma mahamatt were chosen to disseminate Dhamma ideals.
The final aspect of Mauryan administration may be seen in the Asokan inscriptions we have studied. It is because Ashoka engraved the essential aspects of his 'dhamma' policy. According to the inscriptions, he also appointed Dhamma Mahamtras, or special officials, to promote Dhamma.
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