In the context of the Mauryan administrative machinery, officials designated as 'Pradeshtris' were primarily responsible for which of the following functions?

💡 Solution & Explanation

According to Kautilya's Arthashastra, the 'Pradeshtris' were regional judicial and police officials tasked with investigating crimes, catching culprits, and acting as circuit magistrates across rural districts. Officials in charge of crown lands were designated as Sitadhyaksha, while revenue collection was overseen by the Samaharta and treasury management by the Sannidhata. Foreign trade and commerce regulations fell under the jurisdiction of Panyadhyaksha and Samsthadhyaksha. The Mauryan provincial governors were typically royal princes known as Kumaras or Aryaputras.