B. Rajjukas were provincial-level officers in the Mauryan administration responsible for justice, land surveying, and rural governance.

A. Traders in the Chola Kingdom

C. Feudal Lords in the Gupta empire

U.P.P.C.S. Prelims 1996

Mauryan Administration

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Rajjukas were:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Mauryan administration was highly bureaucratic, with specialized officers for land measurement, justice, and rural welfare.

Explanation Mentioned in Asoka's Major Rock Edicts III and IV, the Rajjukas (literally 'rope-holders') were provincial officers responsible for land measurement and judicial administration.

Logical Breakup

Logic 1: They were initially land-surveying officials but Asoka granted them independent judicial powers to award rewards and punishments to ensure uniform justice.

Logic 2: They acted as a bridge between the central government and the rural population (Janapada).

Active Recall

Question

Why was the name 'Rajjuka' associated with a rope?

Answer

The term is derived from 'Rajju' (rope), signifying their original duty of measuring land for revenue assessment.

Core Insight

The evolution of Rajjukas from surveyors to judicial officers illustrates the increasing centralization and welfare focus of the Asokan state.

Rajjukas were:

Solution & Analysis

Active Recall

Core Insight

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