The Mauryan administration was one of the most organized and centralized systems in ancient India. It reached its highest level of development under Chandragupta Maurya, Bindusara, and Ashoka during the fourth and third centuries BCE. Information about the Mauryan administrative system is obtained mainly from Kautilya's *Arthashastra*, Megasthenes' *Indica*, Ashokan inscriptions, and archaeological evidence. The Mauryan Empire was based on the principle of a strong centralized monarchy. The king was the supreme authority and exercised executive, legislative, judicial, and military powers. He was regarded as the protector of the people and was expected to ensure justice, security, and welfare. Although the king held extensive powers, he was assisted by a council of ministers known as the *Mantriparishad*, which advised him on important matters of administration, finance, diplomacy, and warfare. The empire was divided into provinces for efficient administration. Major provinces included Taxila, Ujjain, Tosali, and Suvarnagiri, besides the capital Pataliputra. These provinces were usually governed by princes of the royal family or trusted