Option a is the correct answer. In the Mauryan administration, the role of revenue collection was associated with the position of the collectorgeneral, known as "Samaharta." The Samaharta held a crucial role in revenue management and acted as the head of the exchequer. This position was akin to that of a minister of finance. The Samaharta oversaw various aspects, including revenue collection from provinces, fortified towns, mines, forests, trade routes, and other sources that contributed to the treasury. Important Tips Various officials and their functions in the administration during the Mauryan period: Mantrin: Chief Minister Purohita: Chief Priest Senapati: Commander-in-chief Yuvaraj: Crown Prince Samaharta: Revenue collector Yukta: Subordinate revenue officer Prashasti: Prison head Sannidata: Treasury head Nayaka: City Security chief Vyabharika: Chief Judge Karmantika: Head of Industries & Factories Dandapala: Head of Police Durgapala: Head of Royal Fort Annapala: Head of Food grains Department Rajjukas: Land measurer Pradeshika: District administrator Antapala: Governors of frontiers