Ashokan inscriptions suggest that the ‘Pradeshika’, ‘Rajuka’ and ‘Yukta’ were important officers at the:

1. A. village-level administration
2. B. district-level administration
3. C. provincial administration
4. D. level of the central administration

Answer: B

Explanation

In the Mauryan administration, particularly during Ashoka’s reign, the ‘Pradeshika’, ‘Rajuka’, and ‘Yukta’ were significant officers operating at the district level. The Pradeshika was typically the overall in-charge of a district, responsible for general administration, law and order, and revenue collection. The Rajukas were primarily concerned with surveying, land assessment, and judicial functions, often having considerable authority over rural populations. The Yuktas were junior officers, assisting the Pradeshikas and Rajukas, mainly involved in secretarial work and accounting. These officials played a crucial role in maintaining the centralized administrative structure of the Mauryan Empire. Understanding the administrative hierarchy and roles of officials in ancient Indian empires is a key aspect of UPSC Ancient History.