On some points relating to the Maurya Administrative System
Summary
The article critiques Prof. Radha-kumud Mookerjee's interpretation of the *Lajavachanika* Mahamatras and *Rajukas* in the Maurya administrative system, based on Ashoka's inscriptions. It argues that the phrase *mahamata lajavachanika vataviya* in the Jaugada text likely refers to officials addressed directly by the king's commands, not as independent provincial governors, as suggested by Prof. M. The text emphasizes that the phrase aligns with the Dhauli version (*devanampiya vachanena mahimata vataviya*), indicating compliance with royal orders rather than autonomous governance. Regarding *Rajukas*, the article disputes Prof. M's claim that they were ordinary provincial governors. It challenges his etymological link between *rajuka* and *rajan* (king), noting the lack of grammatical or contextual support in Pali or Sanskrit. The *Rajukas* are described as high-ranking officials with authority over large populations, but their exact role remains unclear. The article contrasts this with K.P. Jayaswal's theory, which identifies *Rajukas* as Imperial High Ministers, contrasting them with *Pradesikas* (provincial ministers). While *Pradesikas* are widely accepted as provincial officers, the extent of their jurisdiction in Mauryan times remains unspecified. The analysis underscores the ambiguity in interpreting these roles and highlights the need for further evidence.
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Conclusion
This analysis challenges previous interpretations of Mauryan administrative titles, demonstrating that the term *Lajavachanika* does not denote a distinct class of provincial governors but rather reflects a standard formulaic address for high officials across inscriptions. The linguistic analysis of *Rajukas* reveals etymological uncertainties and semantic inconsistencies in linking them directly to sovereignty or provincial governance. By dissecting the textual and epigraphic evidence, the study underscores the complexity of Mauryan bureaucratic terminology and the risks of overinterpreting fragmented inscriptions. These findings advocate for a more cautious approach to reconstructing administrative hierarchies, emphasizing the need to prioritize philological rigor and contextual coherence in understanding ancient Indian governance structures. The study’s critical re-examination of key terms contributes to a nuanced understanding of the Mauryan system’s organizational principles and the limitations of modern scholarly conjectures.