[Solved] Mauryan Officer of Weights and Measures | Pautavadhyaksha

Which of the following Mauryan officers was in charge of weights and measures?

[U.P.P.C.S. Mains 2012]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

The Mauryan state exercised strict control over the economy through a specialized bureaucracy of 'Adhyakshas' (superintendents).

Authentic Source Evidence

Kautilya's Arthashastra lists the 'Pautavadhyaksha' as the officer responsible for the manufacture, standardization, and periodic inspection of weights and measures.

Analytical Breakdown

Pautavadhyaksha (A): Weights and measures.

Panyadhyaksha (B): Trade and commerce.

Sitadhyaksha (C): Agriculture (Crown lands).

Sunadhyaksha (D): Slaughterhouses.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Why was the role of the Pautavadhyaksha crucial?"

Standardizing weights and measures was vital to prevent cheating in markets, ensure accurate tax collection, and facilitate interstate trade.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The existence of a specific 'Weights and Measures' department reflects the highly centralized and sophisticated nature of the Mauryan imperial economy."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Analysing authentic U.P.P.C.S. Mainsprevious year questions is non-negotiable for serious aspirants. Thoroughly decoding past exam trends related to Mauryan Economic Administration helps you understand the examiner's mindset. Mastering specific entities like Pautavadhyaksha and Mauryan officers builds the analytical intuition needed to clear the exam. Practice Previous Year Questions here →