The administrative structure under the Mauryan administration can be presented as follows, Central Administration:

The king – The king was the central power of the administrative system. All important and policy related decisions were taken by the king himself. All administrative, judicial, and executive powers were vested in the king.

Council of ministers -A council of ministers played an advisory role to the king and it was selected and appointed on the basis of their desendence and ability.

Officers – These were the senior most state officials who were 18 in number. They were called ‘Teertha’. Koshadhyaksha, Karmantik, Samaharta, Purohit and Senapati were the major officials.

Regional Administration – The Mauryan empire was divided into four regionsUttarpath, Dakshinapath, Avantipath, and Madhya Pranta. Provinces were further divided, into ‘Aahar’ or ‘vis’ which were headed by Vispati’.

City Administration – There were 6 committees of 5 members each. According to Arthshastra, ‘Nagrak’ was the head of city administration and ‘Gopa’ and ‘Sthanik’ were his assisting officials.

District and Rural Regions – Pradehsti, Rajuk and Yukta were responsible for administration of land, justice and accounting functions. Gramik was the rural level officer. Gopa and Sthanik were the intermediaries between districts and villages.

Justice Religion, conduct, character and state rule were the sources of judicial code. Dharmasthiya, and Kantak Shodhak court settled civil and criminal cases respectively.

Judicial council system was well – developed and the king was the highest judge. Rajuk, Vyavaharik etc. were some of the main judicial officers. Sangrahan and Dronamukha were local and district level courts. Penal system was very harsh.

The Army – Senapati was the highest officer of the armed forces.

The army had six divisions – foot soldiers, horse cavalry, elephants, chariots, transport and naval force. Committees of 5 members each oversaw these forces. Chaturangbal was the main organ of the army. Nayaka led the army in battles.

An elaborate network of spies was also set up. It kept close watch on the activities of common people to ministers. Spies were called ‘Sanstha’ and ‘Sanchaar’.

Revenue Administration – Samaharta was the chief officer of revenue system. Durg, Rashtra, Vraja, Setu, forests, mines, import – export were main sources of revenue collection. Sannidhata was the chief officer of the treasure.