The Mauryan Polity c10.s2.t5.8

c10.s2.t5.8

To turn our attention to the Aśokan inscriptions the term occurs in the Rock Edict III and the Pillar Edict IV. According to the latter the rājukas are set over hundreds of persons. An examination of their powers and functions shows that they occupied a status next in rank only to the viceroys. Says V. A. Smith: ‘The modern term governor may serve as a rough equivalent.’⁶ According to the same authority the word rājuke or rāju (Mānsehrā R. E.) is etymologically connected with *rāja*, and hence Bühler’s construction cannot be accepted. If it is connected with the term *rāja*, he should have been one of the *mahāmātra* officials, since *rāja* in Pāli means *mahāmātra*. The term may therefore mean ‘all those who have power of life and death’.¹ The Rājukas were very likely the chief provincial revenue officers. It appears that Aśoka invested them with extensive powers and allowed them the use of their independent discretion ‘without the necessity of obtaining sanction for particular acts by reference to the Crown.’² Categorically their powers and duties may be stated as follows³:—