Who was responsible to look after forts and also known as Head of Royal Fort in the Maurya empire?

• Durgapala was a key military officer who ensured the protection and maintenance of the empire’s strategic forts.

• The Maurya Empire, under rulers like Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka, had a well-organized military and administrative system, with forts playing a vital role in defense and control over territories.

• The forts not only served military purposes but also acted as centers for administration, storage, and tax collection.

• The Mauryan military system was one of the most advanced in ancient India, with well-structured ranks and clear division of labor.

Additional Knowledge:

Samsthadhyaksha:

• The Samsthadhyaksha was an official responsible for the administration of local areas or towns in the Mauryan Empire, not specifically related to fort management.

Rajjukas:

• Rajjukas were officials responsible for land revenue collection and general administrative duties in rural areas, unrelated to the military or fort management.

Annapala:

• The Annapala was responsible for grain storage and management in the Mauryan Empire, ensuring food security, not associated with fort management.