Q1. Which of the following administrative features was a key characteristic of the Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta Maurya?
- (a) Revenue collection by religious institutions
- (b) Centralised bureaucracy guided by Arthashastra
- (c) Feudal land grant system
- (d) Hereditary provincial governors
Answer & solution
Answer: (b) Centralised bureaucracy guided by Arthashastra
Key Features:
Chandragupta Maurya established a highly centralised bureaucratic system.
Administration was guided byKautilya's Arthashastra, which detailed governance principles.
Empire divided into provinces with appointed officials (not hereditary governors).
Other Options:
Revenue collection was state-controlled, not by religious institutions.
Feudal land grants became prominent in later medieval period.
Answer: Option 2 → Centralised bureaucracy guided by Arthashastra