Mauryan Statecraft

Role of 'Agronomai' in Mauryan Administration

In the Mauryan age, the official 'Agronomai' was primarily responsible for the construction and maintenance of roads.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class 11 - Ancient India (R.S. Sharma)

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The official 'Agronomai' during Mauryan age was related to which of the following field?

[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre.) 2020]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


Greek accounts of the Mauryan Empire provide specific titles for administrative roles that managed infrastructure.

Authentic Source Evidence


Megasthenes in his 'Indica' describes the 'Agronomai' as district officials who constructed roads and placed pillars every ten stadia to show distances.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1: 'Agronomai' were specifically linked to rural administration and infrastructure (roads and canals).

  • Logic 2: 'Astynomoi' were their counterparts in charge of city administration.
  • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "What was the difference between Agronomai and Astynomoi?"

    Agronomai managed district and rural affairs (roads/irrigation), while Astynomoi managed city affairs (census/industry).

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "The detailed road-building duties of the Agronomai highlight the Mauryan state's commitment to facilitating trade and military movement across a massive empire."

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