In the context of the Mauryan judicial system as detailed in the Arthashastra, the civil court presided over by judges known as 'Vyavaharikas' was designated by which of the following terms?

💡 Solution & Explanation

In Mauryan jurisprudence, civil courts dealing with property disputes, contracts, and civil wrongs were termed Dharmasthiya courts, presided over by three judges called Dharmasthas or Vyavaharikas. Criminal courts designed to suppress crime and root out anti-social elements were known as Kantashodhana courts. Samaharta functioned as the chief collector-general of imperial revenue. Adhyaksha referred to departmental superintendents overseeing state economic enterprises. Codified laws and rigorous policing maintained order across the vast Mauryan empire.