THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE MAURYANS.
King was the highest authority in the Mauryan Empire. He was the supreme commander of the army and the highest authority of justice. For the administration, the empire had a vast highly efficient and centralized bureaucracy. Tirthas were the important functionaries of the administration. According to Arthashastra, there were 27 Adhyakshas who were appointed to regulate the State affairs. The empire was divided into provinces. Each province was headed by a Governor or Viceroy. At times the princes were appointed as viceroys they were called as Kumar-Mahamatras. Other then the royal blood was called Mahamatra. The latter was assisted by the Yuta, the tax collector, Rajuka, the revenue collector and Sthaniks, the district officer. The smallest units of the administration were the village. Its administration was carried out by an officer called Gramika.
