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 The Maurya Empire at its largest extent under Ashoka the Great. |
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| Imperial Symbol: The Lion Capital of Ashoka |
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| Founder | Chandragupta Maurya |
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| Preceding State(s) | Nanda Dynasty of Magadha Mahajanapadas |
| Languages | Pali Prakrit Sanskrit |
| Religions | Buddhism Hinduism Jainism |
| Capital | Pataliputra |
| Head of State | Samraat (Emperor) |
| First Emperor | Chandragupta Maurya |
| Last Emperor | Brhadrata |
| Government | Centralized Absolute Monarchy with Divine Right of Kings as described in the Arthashastra |
| Divisions | 4 provinces: Tosali Ujjain Suvarnagiri Taxila Semi-independent tribes |
| Administration | Inner Council of Ministers (Mantriparishad) under a Mahamantri with a larger assembly of ministers (Mantrinomantriparisadamca). Extensive network of officials from treasurers (Sannidhatas) to collectors (Samahartas) and clerks (Karmikas). Provincial administration under regional viceroys (Kumara or Aryaputra) with their own Mantriparishads and supervisory officials (Mahamattas). Provinces divided into districts run by lower officials and similar stratification down to individual villages run by headmen and supervised by Imperial officials (Gopas). |
| Area | 5 million km² [1] (Southern Asia and parts of Central Asia) |
| Population | 50 million [2] (one third of the world population [3]) |
| Currency | Silver Ingots (Panas) |
| Existed | 322–185 BCE |
| Dissolution | Military coup by Pusyamitra Sunga |
| Succeeding state | Sunga Empire |
The Mantriparishad was the council of ministers that was part of the administrative system of the Maurya Empire in Ancient India.
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History
The Mantriparishad was formed during the reign of the First Mauryan Emperor Chandragupta Maurya on the basis of Kautilyas Arthashastra.
Organization and Structure
The Mantriparishad was a small council of few ministers, smaller than the larger assembly of ministers or Mantrinomantriparisadamca. It was led by a Chief Minister or Mahamantri.It was an inner council and close advisory body to the Emperor. The consultations with the Emperor were held privately, often secretly. This was done because Kautilya realized that that is the best way to ensure confidentiality and frankness in their advice.
Provincial Mantriparishads
The Mauryan Empire was divided into 4 provinces. Each province had a viceroy (Aryaputra) and his own Mantriparishad.
References
Thapar, Romila, "Ashoka and the Decline of the Mauryas", Oxford University Press, 1960
See also
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