In the context of the Mauryan administration as outlined in the Arthashastra, what specific duties were assigned to the official designated as 'Samaharta'?

💡 Solution & Explanation

In Kautilya's Arthashastra, the Samaharta functioned as the chief collector of revenue responsible for the entire realm's income streams from agriculture, forests, mines, and toll gates. The Sannidhata, by contrast, served as the chief custodian of the royal treasury and storehouse. Military command was vested in the Senapati, while judicial administration was overseen by Dharmasthiya and Kantshodhana magistrates. This functional division reflects the high degree of bureaucratic specialization in the Mauryan state.