In the administrative hierarchy of the Mauryan Empire as outlined in official records and edicts, which of the following officials served as the chief judicial magistrate responsible for administering civil and criminal law at the provincial urban centers?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Vyavaharika served as the chief urban judge or magistrate presiding over civil courts in major Mauryan cities. Samaharta was responsible for the collection and administration of state revenue from various sources, whereas Sannidhata supervised the central treasury and royal storehouses. Pradeshtri functioned as a high-ranking police commissioner and judicial officer who investigated crimes and suppressed anti-social elements in rural and regional areas. The Mauryan judicial system maintained distinct civil courts known as Dharmasthiya and criminal courts known as Kantashodhan.