📘 IAS Prelims 2025 — GS-I Q.19 | Classroom Explanation

(Ancient History)

📌 Question

Q.19) 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)

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🧑‍🏫 Classroom Explanation

This question tests understanding of the Mauryan administrative structure, particularly the district-level officials mentioned in Ashokan inscriptions and corroborated by the Arthashastra.

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🔍 Key Concept: Mauryan Administrative Hierarchy

• Mauryan administration followed a multi-tier structure:

• Village → District → Province → Central administration

• Ashokan inscriptions and Arthashastra together provide a reliable picture of this hierarchy.

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🔍 Role-wise Analysis

✅ District-Level Administration — Correct

At the district level, three important officials are mentioned:

• Pradeshika

• Overall in-charge of the district
• Responsible for:
  • General administration
  • Touring and inspection
  • Law and order

• Rajuka (Rajjuka)

• Primarily a judicial officer
• Also involved in:
  • Land measurement
  • Revenue assessment
• Had the authority to grant rewards and punishments

• Yukta

• Junior official
• Provided secretarial and accounting assistance
• Helped in:
  • Record keeping
  • Revenue matters

➡️ These officers clearly functioned at the district level.

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🧮 Logical Elimination (UPSC Style)

• Village level → Headman (Gramika), not these officers ❌
• District level → Pradeshika, Rajuka, Yukta ✅
• Provincial level → Governors (Kumara, Mahamatya) ❌
• Central level → Mantriparishad, Amatyas ❌

➡️ Correct option: (b)

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🎯 Final Answer

✅ Correct Answer: (b) district-level administration

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📦 Info Box — Extra Points (Prelims Value Add)

• Village level:

• Headed by Gramika
• Accountable to district officials

• District level:

• Core unit of Mauryan administration
• Focused on:
  • Revenue collection
  • Law and order
  • Census and land records

• Provincial level:

• Headed by Kumara (royal prince) or Aryaputra

• UPSC Trap Alert:

• Rajuka sounds like “judge” → but still district-level, not central

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📍 GS Mapping

GS Paper I
Subject: Ancient History
Theme: Mauryan Administration
Nature: Factual + Conceptual

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