Age of the Nandas and Mauryas c11.s34.1

c11.s34.1

The mahāmātras met periodically in Councils and discussed matters of common interest in the administration of their respective charges. They had control over the Yuktas of the Accounts Department (Gaṇanā) and issued instructions to them to secure moderation in the expenditure of public funds and in the accumulation of treasury balances⁶. In the sixth Rock-Edict Aśoka makes a statement which provides a glimpse into some details of administrative practice. ‘And if in the Council (of mahāmātras) a dispute arises, or an amendment is moved, in connection with any donation or proclamation which I myself am ordering verbally, or (in connection with) an emergent matter which has been delegated to the mahāmātras, it must be reported to me immediately, anywhere, (and) at any time.’