System of Administration

Alexander, a Greek king, invaded India in 326 BC. He initially defeated Persia, Egypt and Syria and then came to India. He invaded part of Punjab, also known as the land of five rivers. Alexander took advantage of the Internal struggles of Indian kingdoms and attacked India. He defeated King Porus there. During his invasion, the Magadha empire was the biggest among them. Dhana Nanda was the ruler of Magadha at that time. But soon, cruel ruler Dhana Nanda was overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya with the help of Kautilya(Chanakya) The administration system in India was powerful and well organised at that time. Especially the Magadha’s Mauryan administration, which was a famous administration system because they had a vast empire to manage. An expert like Kautilya(Chanakya) was there to guide the administration on the right path.

System of Administration in India

The Mahajanapada Magadha was ruled by Mauryan King Chandragupta Maurya. Magadha’s administrative structure was robust and well-organised. Fortunately, two of the most significant sources of history are Kautilya’s Arthasastra and Megasthenes’s Indika. These have remained in pieces in the form of quotations in the writings of other ancient writers, providing a vivid image of that government. There were several layers of administration in the Mauryan empire. 

• The King/Ruler

At that time, the King or ruler was in the topmost position, and the King was assisted by the ministers and several officers of the state. The capital of the Mauryan empire was Pataliputra, modern-day Patna. King Chandragupta Maurya was living a very lavish life. He was carried in gilded palanquins and rode on lavishly painted elephants when he went hunting. Chandragupta Maurya’s palace symbolises his empire’s riches and strength.

• Central or Main Administration

The central or Main administration of the Maurya empire was a very comprehensive type of administration. The King used to rule on the advice of the Council of Ministers, also known as Mantri Parishad. Several departments were divided into the central administration of the kingdom. Kautilya describes a considerable No. of departments responsible for such essential matters. The financial section was given more attention at that time. The Mantri Parishad took its responsibilities very seriously. In administration matters, the King used to take advice from the provincial viceroys and the ministers. The central government was doing welfare for the jobless, widowed, poor, orphans, musicians and dancers. The department of works and building had intricate functions all across the empire. The Mauryan central administration was considered among the best in the world—some of the things that we still follow in the modern-day administration.

• Administration of Army

The Mauryans had a vast army. Senapati, or chief army officer, was the head person of the army who used to lead in the wars. Next to the Senapati, there were additional army officers of rank. Prasasta, Nayaka, and Mukhya were army officers. Chandragupta Maurya had six lakhs infantry, 30000 horse soldiers, 35000 elephant soldiers and more than 20000 chariot men in his army. To manage this huge army, a lot of wealth was also spent. The army had a solid structure. There were six departments in the army, and each department had a separate Board.

• The Infantry
• The Cavalry 
• The War-Chariots 
• The War-Elephants 
• The War-Transport
• The Fleet 

• Administration in the Judicial department

As the ruler of a vast empire, Chandragupta Maurya ensured that justice was administered correctly. The Law was binding on everybody and came with the threat of punishment for anyone who disobeyed it. The King, as the highest court of appeal, and the King’s court were at the pinnacle of the legal system. Smaller courts of justice existed down to the village tribunals. Three Amatyas presided over the criminal tribunals, who were supported by a multitude of spies and operatives. Traitors to the country, political criminals, and dangerous officers were all prosecuted in these tribunals. Murderers, thieves, lawbreakers, bandits, frauds, and criminals were also tried. The village headman and elders formally investigated smaller disagreements inside their local territories.

• Administration of Provinces

The Maurya Empire was split into several large provinces. The administration of the provinces was delegated to governors or viceroys, who were princes of the royal dynasty. They used to manage administration in provinces nicely and peacefully. The Pradesikas were revenue officers who also served as police officers. Others claimed that they were in command of a province’s divisions. Some even consider them to be governors of provinces.

• Administration of Villages

From the beginning of time, villages of India have conducted their internal affairs smoothly and organised. The same ancient village system existed under Chandragupta’s reign. There was a headman in every community. The local elders aided him in resolving people’s problems and maintaining peace in the community. The villages’ rules and regulations were implemented nicely, and people followed them. 

Conclusion

Despite Alexander’s invasion, there were no major changes of administration in India. As a result, India experienced a sound and robust government under Chandragupta Maurya, founded on good ideas, systematic organisation, and the Rule of Law. The King was, without question, the top executive, the supreme lawmaker, and the source of justice, but he was just the head of a government built on old traditions and the requirements of the period. After Alexander’s invasion, there were separate administrations such as villages, provinces, the central, the army and the judicial department.