[Solved] Mauryan vs Modern Municipal Admin | Vital Statistics

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

[RAS/RTS Prelims 1992]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

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

Authentic Source Evidence

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.

Analytical Breakdown

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.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Why did the Mauryas register births and deaths?"

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

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

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

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Six Municipal Boards 2 Pataliputra 7 Nagaraka 2