Govt. Exams
Entrance Exams
Gupta rulers, despite being Hindu, patronized Buddhism and Jainism, as evidenced by their support for monasteries, universities like Nalanda, and grants to various religious institutions.
The Chakra was an administrative district in the Mauryan Empire responsible for revenue collection, land surveys, and territorial administration under a designated officer.
The Jana (tribe) in early Vedic society gradually evolved into the Janapada (territorial state) by the Later Vedic period, marking the transition from tribal to territorial polity.
Modern scholarship suggests the decline resulted from a confluence of factors: climate aridification, changes in monsoon patterns, shifts in river courses, and possibly earthquakes, rather than a single cause.
The Shunga period witnessed a cultural synthesis where Brahmanical traditions were revived while Buddhist art and architecture continued to flourish, as evident in the ornate Sanchi Stupa decorations.
The Paur-Adhyaksha or commercial superintendent was tasked with maintaining standardized weights, measures, and regulating trade practices to ensure fair commerce throughout the empire.
According to Kautilya's Arthashastra, the espionage system included spies positioned throughout the empire to gather intelligence on potential threats and maintain state security.
Ashoka's Fifth Rock Edict mentions the appointment of 'Mahamattas' (high officers) responsible for promoting the welfare of humans and animals, regulating hunting and animal slaughter.
# Understanding Rajakas in the Mauryan Empire
The Rajakas were specialized administrative officials in the Mauryan Empire responsible for critical economic and judicial functions at the local level.
Step 1: Identify the Role of Rajakas
Rajakas were appointed officials in the Mauryan administrative hierarchy who served as local administrators with multiple responsibilities. The term "Rajaka" derives from administrative records, particularly the Arthashastra by Kautilya, which outlined their specific duties and functions within the empire's governance structure.
Step 2: Examine Their Primary Responsibilities
The Rajakas had three main functions: (1) Land Measurement — they conducted surveys and demarcation of agricultural lands; (2) Assessment of Land Revenue — they calculated and collected taxes based on land productivity and yield; (3) Administration of Justice — they resolved local disputes and maintained order at the grassroots level.
These officials formed the backbone of Mauryan administrative efficiency, ensuring both revenue generation and judicial fairness in districts and villages.
Final Answer: (A) Land measurement, assessment of land revenue, and the administration of justice
This option correctly encompasses all three primary functions of Rajakas, making it the most complete and accurate answer. Options B, C, and D each represent specialized roles held by different officials (military commanders, judges, or priests respectively), but Rajakas uniquely combined revenue, land, and justice administration.
According to Kautilya's Arthashastra, Samanya-Bhumi refers to strategic buffer territories or neutral zones between kingdoms to prevent direct conflicts.
