Ashokan Inscriptions and District-Level Administration:UPSC Prelims 2025 PYQs
Q. Ashokan inscriptions suggest that the ‘Pradeshika’, ‘Rajuka’ and ‘Yukta’ were important officers at the:
✅ Correct Answer: B. District-level administration
Explanation:
The Pradeshika was the overall in-charge of the district.
The Rajuka functioned similarly to a modern-day district collector, with powers to reward and punish.
The Yukta was a subordinate officer handling accounting and secretarial work.
As per the Third Edict, they were also responsible for preaching dhamma and inspecting every five years.
Pradeshika was the overall in-charge of the district, with no advisory council. The district administration was under the charge of Rajukas, whose position and functions are similar to modern collectors. Rajukas were vested with the authority not only to reward people but also to punish them when necessary. The Yukta was a junior officer giving secretarial kind of assistance to the other two in accounting, secretarial, and other miscellaneous works.
The officials fulfilled the following duties: survey and assessment of land; tours and inspections, revenue collection; and maintaining law and order.
Third Edict mentions ‘Pradeshikas’, Rajukas’, and ‘Yuktas’ and their need for going on tours of inspection every five years as part of their other duties, preaching dhamma, and also adopting a liberal attitude towards Brahmanas and Shramanas.
