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

• village-level administration   
• district-level administration  
• provincial administration   
• level of the central administration   

Answer: (b) district-level administration  

Mauryan Empire: Administration

The administrative system during the Mauryan Empire (4th–3rd century BCE) was highly organised and hierarchical. Ashokan inscriptions and the Arthashastra of Kautilya provide important information about the structure of administration and the officials responsible at different levels.

According to the Arthashastra, the village was the smallest administrative unit. Several villages together formed a district, and multiple districts constituted a province. Administration at each level was carried out by designated officials responsible for governance, revenue collection and maintenance of law and order.

District-Level Administration

Ashokan inscriptions mention three key officials functioning at the district level:

1. Pradesika

• The Pradesika was the chief officer in charge of the district.
• He supervised administration, conducted inspections and ensured the implementation of royal orders.

2. Rajuka

• The Rajuka functioned as an important administrative and judicial officer.
• He was responsible for land measurement, revenue assessment and administration of justice.
• Ashoka’s edicts also indicate that Rajukas had considerable authority in local governance.

3. Yukta

• The Yukta was generally a junior administrative officer who assisted the higher officials.
• He performed secretarial and record-keeping duties and helped implement administrative orders.

Functions of District Officials

These officials collectively carried out several administrative responsibilities, such as:

• Survey and assessment of land
• Collection of revenue and taxes
• Tours and inspections of local areas
• Maintenance of law and order
• Record keeping related to land, population and livestock

Each district also had an accountant responsible for maintaining records of boundaries, registered land, and property deeds, along with maintaining a census of population and livestock. Additionally, there was a tax collector responsible for collecting various forms of revenue.

Since the officials Pradesika, Rajuka and Yukta were responsible for administrative functions at the district level, the inscriptions indicate that they were important officers in district administration.