📘 Question (IAS Prelims 2025 | GS-I)

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

(a) Village-level administration
(b) District-level administration
(c) Provincial administration
(d) Level of the central administration

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✅ Correct Answer

(b) District-level administration

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🎯 Theme of the Question

Mauryan administration | Ashokan inscriptions | Administrative hierarchy

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🧠 Classroom Explanation

UPSC frequently tests the administrative structure of the Mauryan Empire, especially through:

• Ashokan inscriptions
• Arthashastra-based descriptions
• The hierarchical arrangement of officials

This question examines whether the aspirant understands the level at which specific officers functioned, rather than merely recognising their names.

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🏛️ Administrative Structure in the Mauryan Empire

According to the Arthashastra and corroborated by Ashokan inscriptions, the Mauryan administrative system followed a clear hierarchy:

1. Village – smallest administrative unit
2. District (Ahar / Vishaya) – group of villages
3. Province (Janapada / Pradesh) – group of districts
4. Central administration – under the king and council

Each level had clearly defined officials and responsibilities.

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👥 Role of the Officers Mentioned

1. Pradeshika

• Senior-most officer at the district level
• Overall in-charge of district administration
• Conducted tours and inspections
• Supervised revenue collection and maintenance of law and order

2. Rajuka

• Important judicial and administrative officer
• Responsible for:
  • Land measurement and assessment
  • Judicial duties
  • Welfare functions, especially after Ashoka’s reforms

Ashokan inscriptions highlight Rajukas as officers with considerable authority, sometimes reporting directly to the king.

3. Yukta

• Junior officer at the district level
• Provided secretarial and clerical assistance
• Helped in record maintenance and execution of official orders

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✅ Why the Answer is District-Level Administration

• These three officers functioned together at the district level
• They were not village officials (village headmen handled village affairs)
• They were below provincial governors
• They were not part of the central secretariat

📌 Hence, the correct answer is district-level administration.

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🧾 Additional Administrative Details (Value Addition)

Each district also had:

• Accountant, who maintained:
  • Land records
  • Boundaries
  • Census and livestock data
• Tax collector, responsible for:
  • Land revenue
  • Trade taxes
  • Other state dues

This highlights the bureaucratic sophistication of the Mauryan state.

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🧩 One-Line Memory Hook

Pradeshika, Rajuka, Yukta → the “District Trio” of Mauryan administration.

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🧠 Prelims Strategy Insight

Grouping of officers is a strong hint → district level

Do not confuse province-level governors with district officials

UPSC often lists officers together and asks the level of operation