The Mauryan Polity c10.s1.t6: The four divisions of the Janapada

The Mauryan Polity c10.s1.t6

Language: English

The four divisions of the Janapada

c10.s1.t6.1

Before we proceed to examine the details in regard to the government of the provinces let us pass in review the scheme of provincial administration as outlined in the extant *Arthaśāstra*. The whole Janapada is divided into four convenient parts, the *sthānīya*, *droṇamukha*, *kharvaṭika* and *saṅgrahaṇa*.¹ These divisions were different stations where government officials were posted primarily for the purposes of police and secondarily for revenue purposes. The *sthānīya* is the largest division in the midst of 800 villages. The *droṇamukha*, *kharvaṭika* and *saṅgrahaṇa* were the headquarters for 400, 200, and 10 villages respectively. The area of the Kauṭalīyan village extended from one to two *krośas*, a *krośa* measuring 2250 yards.

c10.s1.t6.2

¹ Bk. II, ch. 1; cp. Bk. III, ch. 1.

Linked texts (1)

Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra — Kauṭilya, Sanskrit