Which of the following ancient Indian texts serves as the primary source for the administrative framework and political strategy of the Mauryan Empire?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Authored by Kautilya, also known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta, the Arthashastra is a foundational Sanskrit text detailing statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy during the Maurya Empire. Other texts like Megasthenes' Indika also describe Mauryan society but are preserved only in fragments. Understanding the structure of the Saptanga theory of state from this text is frequently tested in history questions.