by Q. Ashokan inscriptions suggest that the ‘Pradeshika’, ‘Rajuka’ and ‘Yukta’ were important officers at the
UPSC Civil Services Examination (Prelims) 2025 – General Studies Paper 1
(a) village-level administration
(b) district-level administration
(c) provincial administration
(d) level of the central administration
Answer: (b) district-level administration
Explanation:
Pradeshikas, Rajukas, and Yuktas were administrative officers during Emperor Ashoka’s reign.
They were responsible for district-level governance, including judicial, revenue, and public welfare functions. These officers are repeatedly mentioned in Ashokan edicts as being in charge of ensuring justice and Dharma across the Mauryan empire.
| Inscription / Edict | Location | Language / Script | Significance / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Edict I | Girnar, Gujarat; Kalsi, Uttarakhand | Prakrit / Brahmi | Focuses on moral and ethical instructions, renouncing animal sacrifice and promoting dhamma. |
| Rock Edict II | Girnar, Kalsi | Prakrit / Brahmi | Encourages respect for elders and teachers; promotes obedience to rulers while adhering to dharma. |
| Rock Edict III | Kalsi, Girnar | Prakrit / Brahmi | Announces promotion of dhamma; emphasizes moral law and social welfare. |
| Rock Edict IV | Girnar, Kalsi, Sopara, Maski | Prakrit / Brahmi | Deals with administration of dhamma and religious tolerance; respect for all sects. |
| Rock Edict XIII | Girnar, Kalsi, Mansehra, Shahbazgarhi | Prakrit / Brahmi | Famous for Kalinga War remorse; promotes peace, non-violence, and welfare of all beings. |
| Minor Rock Edicts | Maski, Gujarra, Sopara | Prakrit / Brahmi | Instructions to regional governors; propagation of dhamma and administrative guidelines. |
| Major Pillar Edicts | Sarnath, Lauriya-Nandangarh, Rampurva, Delhi-Meerut | Prakrit / Brahmi | Engraved on pillars; focus on moral guidance, dharma, and welfare instructions. |
| Edicts in Greek / Aramaic | Kandahar, Jalalabad (Afghanistan / Pakistan) | Greek / Aramaic | For foreign populations; aimed to spread dhamma among Greek and Aramaic-speaking people. |
