UPSC Prelims 2025 · Question 29 of 100
UPSC Prelims 2025 question on Ashoka Pradeshika Rajuka Yukta
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2025
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectAncient History
- TopicMauryan Age
- DifficultyMedium
- TypeDirect
Ashokan inscriptions suggest that the 'Pradeshika', 'Rajuka' and 'Yukta' were important officers at the:
Show answer
Answer: B. district-level administration
Verdict
Correct answer: Option (b) — district-level administration.
Analysis
According to the Arthashastra, the smallest unit of administration was the village. A few villages were grouped as one district, and a collection of districts formed a province. At the district level, the officials listed were Pradeshika, Rajuka and Yukta. Pradeshika was the overall in-charge of the district. The Yukta was a junior officer giving secretarial kind of assistance to the other two. These officials fulfilled duties including survey and assessment of land, revenue collection, and maintaining law and order. Each district was to have an accountant to maintain records.