Which of the following was not an official in Mauryan Administration?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 3:
Dronmukh was not an official position in the Mauryan Administration; rather, it was a geographical or territorial unit. According to the Mauryan system of territorial division, as described in texts like the Arthashastra, the empire was divided into administrative units based on revenue and population size. A Dronmukh was a unit comprising 400 villages. Other territorial divisions included the Sthaniya (800 villages) and the Kharvatika (200 villages). Therefore, Dronmukh refers to a division of the land for administrative purposes, not an officer responsible for a specific portfolio.

The incorrect option is 1:
Antpal was a highly significant official in the Mauryan Administration. The term 'Antpal' literally means "protector of the end or border." This official was the Governor of the Frontier Provinces or the Officer in charge of border defense, playing a crucial role in securing the vast Mauryan territory from external threats. Their duties involved maintaining forts, controlling movement across the borders, and commanding the army units stationed in frontier regions. Thus, Antpal was an important military and administrative post.

The incorrect option is 2:
Prashasta was a known official in the Mauryan Administrative structure. As documented in sources detailing the Mauryan bureaucracy, the Prashasta held the position equivalent to the Prison Head or Chief Superintendent of the Jail. This role involved the administration of prisons and ensuring the implementation of judicial sentences. The inclusion of the Prashasta demonstrates the detailed and specialized nature of the Mauryan administrative machinery, even down to the management of correctional facilities.

The incorrect option is 4:
Nayak was an official involved in the military and security apparatus of the Mauryan Administration. The Nayaka was generally recognized as the City Security Chief or the commander responsible for leading the military columns in battle or managing the security arrangements within the capital city. This position was essential for maintaining law, order, and defense, especially in large urban centers. Therefore, Nayak was definitely a high-ranking officer in the imperial structure.