question_answer

          How was the empire ruled by the Mauryas?

Answer:

As the empire was very large, different parts were ruled differently by various Mauryans.

(i) The area around Pataliputra was under the direct control of the emperor. The officials were appointed to collect taxes from farmers, herders, craftspersons and traders who lived in villages and towns in the area.

(ii) There were other areas or provinces. Each of them was ruled from a provincial capital such as Taxila or Ujjain and there was some amount of control from Pataliputra. Royal princes were often sent as Governors.

(iii) Besides, there were vast areas between these centres. Here, the Mauryas tried to control roads and rivers which were important for transport and to collect whatever resources were available as tax and tribute.

(iv) There were also the forested regions. People living in these areas were more or less independent, but were expected to provide elephants, timber, honey and wax to the Mauryan officials.