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

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) Chandragupta Maurya.
• Chandragupta Maurya established a highly centralized administrative system.
• The Mauryan Empire had a strong central authority with provinces governed by officials appointed by the king.
• Administration was directly controlled by the emperor with a well-organized bureaucracy.
Information Booster:
• Chandragupta Maurya ruled from c. 321–297 BCE.
• His administration is described in Kautilya’s Arthashastra.
• The empire had departments for revenue, trade, espionage, and justice.
• Capital of the Mauryan Empire was Pataliputra.
Additional Knowledge:
• Harshavardhana’s administration was less centralized and more feudal in nature.
• Samudragupta followed a decentralized Gupta model, allowing local autonomy.
• Pulakeshin II ruled the Chalukyas with a federated administrative system.