Which of the following was the smallest administrative unit in the Mauryan Empire?

Correct option is A

• In the Mauryan administrative structure, governance was organized hierarchically.

• The villagewas the s mallest administrative unit, forming the grassroots level of administration.

• Villages were overseen by officials like Gramika, who reported to higher administrative levels.

• Higher Units: Villages grouped into districts (Ahara) and provinces (Janapadas or Pradesh).

• Role of Gramika: Head of the village; responsible for maintaining law and order and collecting taxes.

• Arthashastra Reference: Kautilya's Arthashastra outlines detailed village-level administration.

• Province: Highest unit, governed by royal princes (Kumara).

• District: Mid-level unit called Ahara.

• Town: Important for trade and commerce but not the smallest unit of administration.