Examine the following statements concerning the Mauryan provincial administration and judicial machinery: 1. The empire was divided into provinces such as Takshasila, Ujjayini, Suvarnagiri, and Tosali, usually administered by royal princes called Kumaras. 2. Civil courts were presided over by judges known as Dharmasthiyas, while criminal courts dealing with suppression of crime were presided over by judges called Pradeshikas. 3. The system of espionage was highly sophisticated, employing both stationary agents called Sanstha and wandering agents called Sanchara. Which of the statements given above are correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Statements one and three are correct. The Mauryan empire maintained provincial capitals like Takshasila and Ujjayini governed by royal princes, and operated an extensive spy network utilizing Sanstha and Sanchara agents. Statement two contains a minor legal inaccuracy: civil courts were indeed presided over by Dharmasthiya judges, but criminal courts were overseen by Mahamatras or Rajukas along with Kantakshodhana judges, whereas Pradeshikas were territorial revenue and administrative officials rather than exclusively criminal court judges. This subtle distinction makes statement two incorrect.