Which ancient ruler's administration is noted for its highly centralized structure?

Question

Which ancient ruler's administration is noted for its highly centralized structure?

1. A. Harshavardhana
2. B. Samudragupta
3. C. Chandragupta Maurya (Correct answer)
4. D. Pulakeshin II

Correct Answer

Option C — Chandragupta Maurya

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Chandragupta Maurya.

Key Points

• Chandragupta Maurya (r. c. 322–297 BCE) built the first genuinely centralised empire in India, with Kautilya (Chanakya) as his adviser.
• The *Arthashastra* describes an elaborate bureaucracy, a standing army and a network of spies reporting to the centre.
• Megasthenes, Seleucus Nikator's envoy, described the administration in his *Indica*.

Additional Information

• The Gupta administration under Samudragupta was comparatively decentralised, leaving defeated rulers in place as tributaries.
• Harshavardhana (7th century) ruled through feudatories, and Pulakeshin II was a Chalukya ruler best known for halting Harsha on the Narmada.
• The Mauryan empire was divided into provinces under princes styled *Kumara*, with Pataliputra as the capital — the high point of ancient Indian centralisation.

प्रश्न (हिन्दी में)

किस प्राचीन शासक का प्रशासन अपनी अत्यधिक केंद्रीकृत संरचना के लिए जाना जाता है?

1. A. हर्षवर्धन
2. B. समुद्रगुप्त
3. C. चन्द्रगुप्त मौर्य
4. D. पुलकेशिन द्वितीय