Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
According to the 'Arthashastra' of Kautilya the following courts existed in the judicial system of Mauryan Age- 1. Dharmamahamatra, 2. Dharmasthiya, 3. Rajjuka, 4. Kantakshodhana
Solution & Analysis
Answer: D
Concept
Kautilya established a two-tier judicial system to handle disputes between individuals and crimes against the state.Explanation
The Arthashastra explicitly mentions two types of courts: Dharmasthiya (Civil Courts) and Kantakshodhana (Criminal Courts, literally 'removal of thorns').Logical Breakup
Dharmasthiya (2): Managed by three Dharmasthas (judges) dealing with family, property, and contract laws.
Kantakshodhana (4): Managed by three Pradeshtris dealing with crimes like theft, murder, and administrative corruption.
Exclusions: Dharmamahamatras (1) were religious officers appointed by Ashoka, and Rajjukas (3) were district-level revenue and judicial officers, not the primary court designations.