MasteryExams
History • Ancient IndiaMedium

During the Mauryan administration, the official designated as 'Panyadhyaksha' was entrusted with the supervision of which of the following?

A. State-controlled commerce and market commodities✓ Correct Answer
B. Agriculture and irrigation networks
C. Weights and measures standards
D. Forest resources and wildlife sanctuaries

💡 Solution & Explanation

According to Kautilya's Arthashastra, the Panyadhyaksha served as the superintendent of commerce charged with supervising state-controlled trade, market commodities, and price regulation. Other economic activities such as agriculture were overseen by the Sitadhyaksha, while standard weights and measures fell under the purview of the Pautavadhyaksha. This meticulous administrative division reflects the highly centralized bureaucratic apparatus of the Mauryan Empire.

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