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RAS/RTS Prelims 1992

Administrative Continuity

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which function of the present municipal administration has been continuous from the time of Mauryan period?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept The Mauryan state was a pioneer in administrative data collection, treating demographic statistics as a vital governmental function.

Explanation Megasthenes records that one of the six municipal boards of Pataliputra was exclusively responsible for the registration of births and deaths to ensure accurate taxation and census records.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: This is a remarkably modern administrative feature that has survived as a core municipal duty in India today.
Logic 2: While other functions like price fixing (B) or artisan patronage (D) were present, they are not universally continuous in the same structured municipal format.

Active Recall

Question

Why did the Mauryas register births and deaths?

Answer

Primarily for tax assessment purposes and to keep a regular census of the city's population.

Core Insight

The 2,300-year continuity of vital statistics registration highlights the deep roots of organized bureaucracy in the Indian urban tradition.

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