Analyze the features of the Mauryan administrative system: 1. The central government maintained a strict monopoly over vital economic sectors such as mining, salt production, and coinage. 2. The provincial governors were invariably chosen from the royal family or close princes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Mauryan state exercised extensive control over the economy, maintaining strict state monopolies on mining, metallurgy, salt, and minting to secure revenue and resources. While princes were frequently appointed as viceroys to govern important provinces like Taxila or Ujjain, trusted senior civil officers and nobles were also deputed to provincial administrative charges. This bureaucratic depth enabled centralized control across the subcontinent.