Which of the following sources gives a detailed account of the city administration of the Mauryas?

U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009

A. Kautilya's Arthashastra
B. Megasthenes' Indica
C. Mudrarakashasa of Vishakha Datta
D. Inscription of Ashoka

Answer: Megasthenes' Indica

Option b is the correct answer. Megasthenes' "Indica", provides a detailed account of the city administration of the Mauryan Empire. He mentions that there was a municipal council consisting of 30 members. This council was further divided into six boards, each consisting of five members. Each board was responsible for overseeing a specific aspect of city administration. Megasthenes' "Indica" offers insights into the structure and functioning of the administrative system in Mauryan cities. Important Tips City Administration in Mauryan Empire: The administration of cities is elaborated in the Arthashastra, with the Edicts of Ashoka mentioning cities like Pataliputra, Taxila, Ujjain, and more. Megasthenes detailed Pataliputra's administration, where a city council of 30 members oversaw the city. These members were divided into six boards, each with specific duties: One board managed industrial and artistic production, setting wages and curbing adulteration. The second board handled foreign visitors' affairs, focusing on their needs. Birth and death registrations were overseen by the third board. The fourth board regulated trade, monitored goods, and sales. The fifth board supervised manufacturing. The sixth board collected taxes, typically one-tenth of sales value. Officers appointed by the City Council ensured public welfare in areas like roads, markets, hospitals, temples, and sanitation. The Nagaraka oversaw the city, while various departments regulated state activities, as noted by Kautilya, encompassing accounts, revenue, mines, chariots, customs, and taxation.

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