This question tests your knowledge of administrative officials and their duties during the Mauryan Empire, as described in the ancient Indian political treatise, the Arthashastra by Kautilya (Chanakya).

Let's analyze each official and their duty:

Step 1: Analyze the Pairs

(1) Sannidhata: This official was indeed the Chief treasury officer. He was responsible for the safe storage of the state's revenue and valuables in the central treasury. This is a correct match with duty (i).

(2) Samaharta: This was one of the most important officers. The Samaharta was the Collector general of revenue. He was responsible for the collection of all revenues of the empire from various sources. This is a correct match with duty (ii).

(3) Yukta: A Yukta was a subordinate revenue officer who worked at the district level, assisting higher officials in revenue administration and accounting. This is a correct match with duty (iii).

(4) Gopa: The Gopa was an officer at the village level. His primary duty was maintaining detailed records of land, crops, and taxes for a group of villages. He was responsible for accounts at the grassroots level. This is a correct match with duty (iv).

(5) Sitaadhyaksha: The Sitaadhyaksha was the Superintendent of Agriculture. His role was to oversee and supervise all matters related to agriculture, including state-owned farms, seeds, irrigation, and storage of produce. This is a correct match with duty (v).

Step 2: Evaluate the Options

Since all five pairs (1-i, 2-ii, 3-iii, 4-iv, 5-v) are correctly matched according to the Arthashastra, the correct answer is the option that states All of these.

Final Answer: All of these

Related Topics & Theory

Mauryan Administration: The Mauryan Empire (c. 322 – 185 BCE) had a highly centralized and sophisticated bureaucratic structure. The king was the supreme head, but the actual administration was carried out by a large body of officials organized into various departments, each with a well-defined hierarchy and specific duties. The Arthashastra provides a detailed manual for running such an administration.

Key Features:

• Central Government: Consisted of the King, the Mantriparishad (Council of Ministers), and high-ranking officials like the Samaharta and Sannidhata.
• Provincial Administration: The empire was divided into provinces, districts, and villages, each with its own set of officials.
• Extensive Spy System: A network of spies was maintained to keep the king informed about the efficiency and loyalty of his officials and the mood of the public.

Important Formulae & Lists

While this topic does not involve mathematical formulae, it is important to remember this list of key Mauryan officials:

• Samaharta: Collector General of Revenue
• Sannidhata: Chief Treasury Officer
• Pradeshta: Provincial Governor
• Rajuka: Revenue Officer / District Judge
• Yukta: Subordinate Revenue Officer
• Gopa: Village Accountant
• Sthanika: District Official
• Nagarka: City Superintendent