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

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Question

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

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: B - district-level administrationStep-by-step Solution:Ashokan inscriptions (especially Rock Edict III and Pillar Edicts) mention three key categories of officers: Pradeshika, Rajuka, and Yukta. These officers were part of the field administration and played crucial roles in governance, revenue collection, and justice.Pradeshika: The Pradeshika was a regional officer often interpreted as a district administrator. He was responsible for supervising administration, revenue collection, and law and order within a defined territorial unit below the provincial level.Rajuka: Rajukas were important officials entrusted with both administrative and judicial functions. Ashoka granted them authority to reward and punish, indicating quasi-judicial powers. They were comparable to modern district magistrates and were directly involved in rural administration.Yukta: Yukta were subordinate officials or record-keepers who assisted higher अधिकारियों like Pradeshika and Rajuka. They were involved in accounts, documentation, and execution of administrative orders.Ashokan Rock Edict III mentions that these officers undertook periodic tours (every five years) to ensure proper governance and implementation of Dhamma policies. Their roles clearly place them in the district/regional administrative structure, not at the central or highest provincial level.Why other options are incorrect:Option A (Village-level): Incorrect. Village administration was handled by the Gramika (village headman), not these officers. ✗Option C (Provincial administration): Incorrect. Provinces in the Mauryan Empire were governed by royal princes (Kumaras) or Aryaputras. Pradeshika, Rajuka, and Yukta functioned below this level. ✗Option D (Central administration): Incorrect. Central administration included the king, Mantriparishad, and Mahamatras. These officers operated in the field, not at the imperial centre. ✗Key Concept: Mauryan Administration Hierarchy — Central (King, Ministers, Mahamatras) → Provincial (Kumaras/Aryaputras) → District/Regional (Pradeshika, Rajuka, Yukta) → Local (Gramika). Ashokan edicts are primary evidence for this structure.

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

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

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