[Solved] Detailed Account of Mauryan City Administration

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

[U.P.P.C.S. Mains 2009]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

While many texts discuss Mauryan rule, the specific board-based municipal management of Pataliputra is uniquely detailed in Greek accounts.

Authentic Source Evidence

Megasthenes, the Greek ambassador, describes in 'Indica' that the city of Pataliputra was governed by a municipal council of 30 members divided into six boards of five each.

Analytical Breakdown

Indica (B): Specifically detail the six boards (Trade, Census, Industry, Taxes, etc.).

Arthashastra (A): Focuses more on general statecraft and centralized roles (Nagaraka) rather than the board system described by Megasthenes.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What were some of the duties of the six municipal boards?"

They managed industrial arts, foreign visitors, birth/death records, trade and commerce, manufactured goods, and the collection of taxes.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Megasthenes' account provides an outsider's meticulous view of the highly bureaucratic and organized urban life in the Mauryan capital."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Six Municipal Boards 2 Pataliputra 7 Nagaraka 2