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Administration of Mauryas GK MCQs With Answer & Explanation in English

Administration of Mauryas GK MCQs With Answer Explanation in English

The Mauryan Empire, one of the most illustrious dynasties in ancient India, was renowned for its administrative prowess. From its inception under Chandragupta Maurya to its zenith under Ashoka, the Mauryan administration laid the foundation for efficient governance, taxation, and military strategies that influenced subsequent Indian rulers. This set of 10 MCQs delves into the intricacies of Mauryan administration, aiming to test and enhance your knowledge for various government job comparative exams. Each question is accompanied by a detailed answer and explanation, providing a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal period in Indian history.

1. In the Mauryan empire, the post Devatadhyaksha is related to:

  1. Store House
  2. Crown Lands
  3. Customs
  4. Religious Institutions

Show Answer

Correct Answer: Religious Institutions

In the Mauryan administrative structure, a “Devatadhyaksha” was an official appointed to oversee and manage religious institutions and their affairs. This role was crucial in ensuring the proper functioning and maintenance of religious sites and practices in the Mauryan Empire.

2. In the Maurya empire, who looked after markets and checked wrong practices?

  1. Samsthadhyaksha
  2. Sitadhyaksha
  3. Akaradhyaksha
  4. Manadhyaksha

Show Answer

Correct Answer: Samsthadhyaksha

The “Samsthadhyaksha” was responsible for overseeing markets and ensuring that they operated fairly and without wrongful practices. This official played a vital role in maintaining the integrity of economic activities in the empire.

3. In the Maurya empire, who was the superintendent of ports?

  1. Pattanadhyaksha
  2. Manadhyaksha
  3. Kosadhyaksha
  4. Ganikadhyaksha

Show Answer

Correct Answer: Pattanadhyaksha

The “Pattanadhyaksha” served as the superintendent of ports in the Mauryan administrative system. This role involved the management and regulation of port activities, including trade and maritime affairs, which were essential for the empire’s commerce and connectivity.

4. In the Maurya empire, what was the name of the department of the Chief of the Mines?

  1. Dauvarika
  2. Antapal
  3. Karmantika
  4. Paura

Show Answer

Correct Answer: Karmantika

The “Karmantika” was the department head responsible for managing the mines in the Mauryan Empire. This included overseeing the extraction of valuable minerals and resources, a critical source of revenue for the kingdom.

5. In the context of Mauryan administration, who was regarded as the ‘Chief treasury officer’?

  1. Samaharta
  2. Paura
  3. Sannidhata
  4. Karmantika

Show Answer

Correct Answer: Sannidhata

In the Mauryan central administration, the “Sannidhata” held the position of Chief Treasury Officer. This official played a significant role in managing the treasury and financial matters of the empire.

6. Which of the following took all the final decisions regarding revenue, law and order, war, or any other matter related to administration in the Mauryan empire?

  1. King
  2. Council of Ministers
  3. Dhamma Mahamatras
  4. None of the above

Show Answer

Correct Answer: King

While the king of the Mauryan Empire was assisted by a council of ministers in daily administrative affairs, he retained the authority to make all final decisions. This included matters related to revenue collection, law and order, military actions, and other aspects of governance, ensuring the king’s ultimate control over the empire’s administration.

7. Which of the following contains a mention of the female personal bodyguards of the Mauryan king, who were skilled in archery?

  1. Indica
  2. Arthashastra
  3. Dharmasastras
  4. Vedic literature

Show Answer

Correct Answer: Arthashastra

The “Arthashastra” of Kautilya (Chanakya) contains information about the Mauryan Empire’s secret emergency exits, facilitating the king’s safety. Additionally, the text mentions the existence of female personal bodyguards skilled in archery, responsible for guarding the king.

8. Which of the following were known as wandering spies who wandered from place to place for collecting secret information in the Mauryan empire?

  1. Sanstha
  2. Sanchara
  3. Pulisani
  4. Nikayas

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Correct Answer: Sanchara

Kautilya’s “Arthashastra” describes the role of wandering spies known as “sanchara.” These spies traveled throughout the Mauryan Empire to collect secret information and intelligence to assist in governance and security.

9. Who were Pativedakas and Pulisani in the Mauryan administration?

  1. They functioned as special reporters of the Amatya.
  2. They functioned as special reporters of the Chanakya.
  3. They functioned as special reporters of the king.
  4. None of the above

Show Answer

Correct Answer: They functioned as special reporters of the king.

In the Mauryan administration, “Pativedakas” and “Pulisani” functioned as special reporters of the king. They were responsible for keeping the king informed about public opinion, events, and developments in the empire, aiding in informed decision-making.

10. Which of the following was in charge of standardized weights and measures during the Mauryan period?

  1. Pautavadhyaksha
  2. Sansthadhyaksha
  3. Panyadhyaksha
  4. Rupadarshaka

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Correct Answer: Pautavadhyaksha

The “Pautavadhyaksha” was entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining standardized weights and measures during the Mauryan period. This role was essential to ensuring fair trade practices and consistency in measurements for economic transactions.

11. Which of the following were referred to as ‘Amatya’ in the Mauryan administration?

1. All high officials

2. Counsellors

3. Executive heads of departments

Select the correct option from the codes given below:

  1. Only 1
  2. Only 2 & 3
  3. Only 3
  4. 1, 2 & 3

Show Answer

Correct Answer: 1, 2 & 3

“Amatya” referred to high officials, counsellors, and executive heads of departments in the Mauryan administration. Additionally, the king appointed a council of ministers called “Mantriparishad” to assist in day-to-day administrative tasks and decision-making, contributing to the governance of the empire.

12. Which of the following officers were responsible for the suppression of criminals in the Mauryan administration?

  1. Dharmasthas
  2. Pradeshtris
  3. Mahamattas
  4. None of the above

Show Answer

Correct Answer: Pradeshtris

As per Ashokan inscriptions, “Pradeshtris” were officials responsible for suppressing criminals in the Mauryan Empire. Various civil and criminal courts operated at the local level, from villages to provinces, to maintain law and order.

13. Which of the following diplomatic posts are mentioned in the Arthashastra of Kautilya?

1. Nisriharthaduta

2. Parimitarthaduta

3. Sasanharaduta

Choose the right answer:

  1. Only 1 and 3
  2. Only 1 and 2
  3. Only 2 and 3
  4. All 1, 2, and 3

Show Answer

Correct Answer: All 1, 2, and 3

Kautilya’s “Arthashastra” outlines three diplomatic posts in the Mauryan administration: “Nisriharthaduta” (full-fledged ambassador), “Parimitarthaduta” (instructed negotiator), and “Sasanharaduta” (special messenger). These officials played key roles in diplomatic relations and negotiations.

14. Which of the following statements is correct about the ‘Mantriparishad’ in the Mauryan administration?

1. They advised the king in matters of administration.

2. It exercised great influence in the appointment of governors, viceroys, deputy governors, treasurers, generals, admirals, judges, chief magistrates, and other high officials.

3 The Mantriparishad was a very influential body.

Select the correct option from the codes given below:

  1. Only 1
  2. Only 2
  3. Only 1 & 3
  4. 1, 2 & 3

Show Answer

Correct Answer: 1, 2 & 3

The ‘Mantriparishad’ in the Mauryan administration had the following features: They advised the king in matters of administration, exercised great influence in the appointment of high officials, and was a very influential body.

15. Which of the following looked after the ordinary affairs in the Mauryan administration?

  1. Nikayas
  2. Amatya
  3. Tirthas
  4. Mantrin

Show Answer

Correct Answer: Nikayas

The Mauryan administration included “Nikayas,” trained officials responsible for ordinary affairs in the realm. Kautilya’s “Arthashastra” referred to the highest functionaries at the center as the “eighteen Tirthas,” reflecting a structured bureaucratic hierarchy.

16. The magistrates who looked after towns and cities in the Mauryan empire were known as?

  1. Nagaradhyaksha
  2. Baladhyakshas
  3. Adhyakshas
  4. Amatyas

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Correct Answer: Nagaradhyaksha

“Nagaradhyaksha” officials looked after towns and cities, while “Baladhyakshas” were responsible for military matters in the Mauryan administration. These officials played crucial roles in urban and military governance.

17. Which of the following was the chief collector of revenue in the Mauryan empire?

  1. Samnidhatri
  2. Samaharta
  3. Samahartri
  4. None of the above

Show Answer

Correct Answer: Samaharta

In the Mauryan Empire, “Samaharta” held the position of the Chief Collector General of Revenue. This official supervised the collection of revenue from the entire kingdom, managing the financial resources of the empire.

18. In the context of Mauryan administration, who was the chief supervisor of the collection of revenue from the whole kingdom?

  1. Samaharta
  2. Sannidhata
  3. Karmantika
  4. Antapal

Show Answer

Correct Answer: Samaharta

As per the Arthashastra of Chanakya, Samaharta was the Chief Collector General of Revenue who supervised the collection of revenue from the whole kingdom.

19. Which of the following are the features of Mauryan administration?

1. Mauryas had a vast and highly centralized bureaucratic rule.

2. The king was the fountainhead of all powers.

3. The empire was probably divided into provinces with a viceroy in each province.

Select the correct option from the codes given below:

  1. Only 1
  2. Only 2 & 3
  3. Only 1 & 3
  4. 1, 2 & 3

Show Answer

Correct Answer: 1, 2 & 3

The Mauryan Empire was divided into provinces, each overseen by a viceroy. Law and order and tax collection were under the viceroy’s purview. During the reign of King Ashoka, the fifth province of Kalinga was added to the empire, with a viceroy overseeing its administration and governance.

20. According to Kautilya, which of the following was referred to as the Dharmapravakta?

  1. King
  2. Viceroy
  3. Priest
  4. Pativedakas

Show Answer

Correct Answer: King

According to Kautilya (Chanakya), the king was referred to as the Dharmapravakta in Mauryan administration. The king issued royal rescripts (Rajasasana) and maintained ancient rules and customs (porana pakiti).

21. Which of the following was the treasurer in the Mauryan administration?

  1. Akshapatala
  2. Samnidhatri
  3. Samaharta
  4. Dauvarika

Show Answer

Correct Answer: Samnidhatri

In the Mauryan empire, there was also the office of Samnidhatri or the treasurer, who was also in charge of the royal stores. The Samaharta was the chief collector of revenue.

22. During the reign of which of the following kings was a fifth province of Kalinga added in the Mauryan empire?

  1. Chandragupta
  2. Bindusara
  3. Ashoka
  4. None of the above

Show Answer

Correct Answer: Ashoka

During King Ashoka’s reign, he added a fifth province, Kalinga, to the Mauryan Empire. Each province was overseen by a viceroy who was responsible for maintaining law and order, as well as collecting taxes for the central administration. This expansion marked a significant development in the Mauryan Empire.

23. The provinces of the Mauryan empire were further divided into divisions and were headed by which of the following?

  1. Pradeshikas
  2. Rajukas
  3. Yuktas
  4. Sthanikas

Show Answer

Correct Answer: Pradeshikas

The provinces of the Mauryan Empire were further divided into divisions, each headed by a “Pradeshika.” These divisions were then subdivided into districts, each managed by officials called “Rajukas.” The Pradeshikas did not have advisory councils, indicating a hierarchical administrative structure.

24. The Rajukas were assisted in accounting, secretarial, and other miscellaneous works by which of the following?

  1. Yuktas
  2. Pradeshikas
  3. Sthanikas
  4. Gopas

Show Answer

Correct Answer: Yuktas

Rajukas, who were responsible for district-level administration, were supported by “Yuktas” or clerks. These Yuktas aided in various administrative tasks, including accounting, secretarial work, and miscellaneous functions within their respective districts.

25. The city administration of Pataliputra, according to Megasthenes, was conducted by how many committees?

  1. 5
  2. 4
  3. 6
  4. 7

Show Answer

Correct Answer: 6

The capital city of the Mauryas, Pataliputra, had a well-organized municipal administration. According to accounts by the Greek historian Megasthenes, corroborated by the “Arthashastra,” Pataliputra’s municipal governance involved six committees, each composed of five members. These committees managed different aspects of the city’s administration.

26. Which of the following committee looked after the production of commodities in the Mauryan administration?

  1. Industry
  2. Market Affairs
  3. Manufacturing and Distribution
  4. Trade, commerce, and Market Regulations

Show Answer

Correct Answer: Industry

One of the committees in the Mauryan administration was responsible for overseeing the production of commodities. Known as the “Industry Committee,” its role involved monitoring the quality of raw materials used in production and determining fair values for the goods manufactured.

27. Which of the following committee kept a watch over weights and measures in the Mauryan administration?

  1. Trade, commerce, and Market regulations
  2. Manufacturing Articles
  3. Industry
  4. Vital Statistics

Show Answer

Correct Answer: Trade, commerce, and Market regulations

Another committee focused on maintaining fair trade practices and standards. The “Trade, Commerce, and Market Regulations Committee” ensured that commodities were sold before their quality deteriorated, preserving fairness in trade practices.

28. Which of the following committee was responsible for collecting tax in the Mauryan administration?

  1. Tax collection
  2. Manufactured articles
  3. Trade, commerce, and Market regulations
  4. Kara

Show Answer

Correct Answer: Tax collection

The “Tax Collection Committee” had the vital role of collecting taxes in the Mauryan administration. They levied one-tenth of the prices of articles or products as taxes. Strict penalties, including the death penalty, were imposed for any fraudulent practices related to tax payments.

29. How many members were there in the war office that took care of the administration of different branches of the army in the Mauryan administration?

  1. 30
  2. 25
  3. 40
  4. 50

Show Answer

Correct Answer: 30

For military administration, a “War Office” consisting of 30 members managed different branches of the army. This office was divided into six boards, each comprising five members responsible for various aspects of the military.

30. Which of the following was the head of the board of infantry in the Mauryan administration?

  1. Rathadhyaksha
  2. Padadhyaksha
  3. Asvadhyaksha
  4. Hastyadhyaksha

Show Answer

Correct Answer: Padadhyaksha

Within the War Office, the board of infantry was headed by the “Padadhyaksha,” the board of war chariots by the “Rathadhyaksha,” and the board of war elephants by the “Hastyadhyaksha.” Each board oversaw specific components of the military, such as infantry, chariots, and war elephants.

31. Which of the following was the head of the board of war chariots in the Mauryan administration?

  1. Padadhyaksha
  2. Rathadhyaksha
  3. Hastyadhyaksha
  4. Asvadhyaksha

Show Answer

Correct Answer: Rathadhyaksha

The board of war chariots in the Mauryan administration was headed by the Rathadhyaksha. The Rathadhyaksha was responsible for looking after the chariots and providing wages to employees involved in chariot preparation.

32. Which of the following was the head of the board of war elephants in the Mauryan administration?

  1. Hastyadhyaksha
  2. Asvadhyaksha
  3. Padadhyaksha
  4. Rathadhyaksha

Show Answer

Correct Answer: Hastyadhyaksha

The board of war elephants in the Mauryan administration was headed by the Hastyadhyaksha. This board was responsible for catching, training, and controlling war elephants, which was an important aspect of the military.

33. Which of the following were the principal crops grown during the Mauryan period?

1. Wheat

2. Rice

3. Barley

4. Millet

Select the correct option from the codes given below:

  1. Only 1 & 2
  2. Only 1, 2 & 3
  3. Only 1, 2 & 4
  4. 1, 2, 3, and 4

Show Answer

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3, and 4

The principal crops grown during the Mauryan period included wheat, rice, barley, and millet. These crops formed the foundation of the agricultural economy, providing sustenance for the empire.

34. Which of the following term was used for a tenant during the Mauryan period?

  1. Kshetrika
  2. Upasava
  3. Hiranya
  4. Agranomoi

Show Answer

Correct Answer: Upasava

During the Mauryan era, the term “Upasava” was used to refer to a tenant, while a “Kshetrika” was distinct from the tenant, signifying the landowner. This differentiation was significant in agrarian relationships.

35. Which of the following was/were the term/s used for sharecroppers working on state-owned land during the Mauryan period?

1. Ardhasitikas

2. Svaviryopajivins

Choose the right answer:

  1. Only 1
  2. Only 2
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. None of the above

Show Answer

Correct Answer: Both 1 and 2

Kautilya’s “Arthashastra” mentions various types of sharecroppers on state-owned land. The “Ardhasitikas” kept half of the produce, while the “Svaviryopajivins” kept one-fourth or one-fifth of the produce, reflecting different sharing arrangements.

36. Which of the following were the main centers of textile manufacturing during the Mauryan period? 1. Varanasi

2. Mathura

3. Bengal

4. Gandhara

Choose the right option:

  1. Only 1 and 4
  2. Only 1 and 2
  3. Only 3 and 4
  4. All 1,2,3,4

Show Answer

Correct Answer: All 1,2,3,4

During the Mauryan period, trade and urban economy thrived, with textile manufacturing being a prominent industry. Major centers for textile production included Varanasi, Mathura, Bengal, and Gandhara, contributing to the empire’s economic prosperity.

37. Which of the following were important seaports during the Mauryan period?

1. Tamralipti

2. Hoogly

3. Broach

Choose the right answer:

  1. Only 1 and 3
  2. Only 1 and 2
  3. Only 2 and 3
  4. All 1, 2, and 3

Show Answer

Correct Answer: All 1, 2, and 3

The Mauryan Empire had important seaports facilitating trade and maritime activities. Notable seaports included Tamralipti (Tamluk) in the east, Hoogly (Haldia), and Broach (Bharuch) in the west, enhancing the empire’s connections with other regions.

38. Which of the following officers was in charge of trade, price fixation, and the sale of goods produced by state-run manufacturing units in the Mauryan administration?

  1. Sansthadhyaksha
  2. Panyadhyaksha
  3. Rupadarshaka
  4. Pautavadhyaksha

Show Answer

Correct Answer: Panyadhyaksha

The “Panyadhyaksha” was an officer in charge of trade, price fixation, and the sale of goods produced by state-run manufacturing units in the Mauryan administration. This role ensured efficient trade and pricing regulations.

39. Which of the following was the inspector of coins in the Mauryan administration?

  1. Rupadarshaka
  2. Sansthadhyaksha
  3. Pautavadhyaksha
  4. Panyadhyaksha

Show Answer

Correct Answer: Rupadarshaka

In the Mauryan administration, the “Rupadarshaka” served as the inspector of coins. This official was responsible for maintaining the integrity and standardization of coins used within the empire.

40. Which of the following was known as the superintendent of markets during the Mauryan period?

  1. Sansthadhyaksha
  2. Pautavadhyaksha
  3. Panyadhyaksha
  4. Rupadarshaka

Show Answer

Correct Answer: Sansthadhyaksha

The “Sansthadhyaksha” held the position of superintendent of markets in the Mauryan period. This official’s responsibilities included overseeing market activities and regulating trade, ensuring the fair and orderly operation of markets.

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