UPSC Prelims 2025 Q19: Ancient History – Mauryan Empire
Ashokan inscriptions suggest that the ‘Pradeshika’, ‘Rajuka’ and ‘Yukta’ were important officers at the
- (a) village - level administration
- (b) district - level administration
- (c) provincial administration
- (d) level of the central administration
Answer: (b) district - level administration
Explanation
Pradeshika, Rajuka and Yukta in Ashoka's inscriptions
Rock Edict III of Ashoka orders the Yuktas, Rajukas and Pradeshikas to go on tour every five years.
All three were officers of the district.
| Officer | Role |
|---|---|
| Pradeshika | Head of the district; in charge of revenue collection and law and order |
| Rajuka | Land survey and assessment; also given judicial powers (Pillar Edict IV) |
| Yukta | Subordinate official; kept accounts and records |
Levels of Mauryan administration:
| Level | Head |
|---|---|
| Centre | King, with the Mantriparishad |
| Province | Kumara or Aryaputra (a prince) |
| District | Pradeshika, with Rajukas and Yuktas |
| Village | Gramika |
So the answer is the district level, not the village, provincial or central level.
Answer: (b) district-level administration.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. At the village level the head was the Gramika.
- (b) CORRECT. Pradeshika, Rajuka and Yukta were officers of the district-level administration.
- (c) Incorrect. The provincial head was a prince called Kumara or Aryaputra.
- (d) Incorrect. The central level had the king, ministers and the Mantriparishad.
Key point
Mauryan district officers (Rock Edict III): Pradeshika (head), Rajuka (land revenue and justice), Yukta (accounts). Province: Kumara. Village: Gramika.
Remember
Pradeshika, Rajuka, Yukta = district officers.
Common mistakes
- Placing the Rajuka at the village level because he dealt with land.
- Confusing the Pradeshika (district) with the provincial governor.
- Forgetting that Rock Edict III names all three together.
Exam tip
Rock Edict III lists the three district officers in one line: Yukta, Rajuka, Pradeshika.
Sources
- Romila Thapar — Asoka and the Decline of the Mauryas (administration)
- NCERT Class XII — Themes in Indian History Part I, Ch 2 (Kings, Farmers and Towns)