Consider the following statements regarding the Rock Edicts of Ashoka:

i. References to many kinds of Mahamattas.
ii. Pradesikas, Rajukas and Yukatas were important officials at district level.
iii. Reference to city administration run by six committees of five members each.
iv. References to Pativedakas and Pulisani.

Which of the above is/are correct?

Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Rock Edicts of Ashoka:

i. References to many kinds of Mahamattas.

ii. Pradesikas, Rajukas and Yukatas were important officials at district level.

iii. Reference to city administration run by six committees of five members each.

iv. References to Pativedakas and Pulisani.

Which of the above is/are correct?

Quintessence Classes · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is i, ii & iv only. Analysis of the Statementsi. References to many kinds of Mahamattas. (Correct)Ashoka's edicts mention various types of Mahamattas (high-ranking officials), most notably the Dhamma-Mahamattas, who were appointed to propagate Dhamma and look after the welfare of different religious sects.ii. Pradesikas, Rajukas and Yukatas were important officials at district level. (Correct)In Major Rock Edict III, Ashoka mentions these three officials. The Rajukas were responsible for surveying land and administering justice, while Yukatas were subordinate officers in charge of revenues.iii. Reference to city administration run by six committees of five members each. (Incorrect)While this is a factual detail about Mauryan administration, this information comes from Megasthenes' Indica, not from Ashoka's Rock Edicts. Ashoka's edicts focus more on moral conduct (Dhamma) and general administration rather than the specific municipal committee structure of Pataliputra.iv. References to Pativedakas and Pulisani. (Correct)In Major Rock Edict VI, Ashoka mentions Pativedakas (reporters) and Pulisani (agents). He famously declared that these reporters should bring him information about public affairs at all times and in all places, even when he was eating or in his private rooms.

Answer

i & ii only

Answer

i & iii only

Answer

i, ii & iii only

Answer & Explanation

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JKPSC JKAS 2024 Prelims

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