Early History of Orissa

SR No.: 006922
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Amarchand Mittal
Publisher: Jain Cultural Research Society
Publication Year: 1957
Total Pages: 506
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 9 MB

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AN EARLY HISTORY OF ORISSA CITY ADMINISTRATION
There are two cities--Tosali and Samāpā, mentioned in the Asokan Edicts, situted in the Province of Kalinga, of which the former was the seat of a Viceroyalty and the latter that of a Governorship. The inscriptions, however, do not throw much light on the system by which these cities were administered. But it may be presumed that the method of administration in all big and important cities in the Maurya Empire was, practically, the same as that in the capital city of Patliputra, about which information is obtained from the accounts of the Greck writers and the Arthaśāstra of Kauțilya.
In RE V, Asoka distinguishes his capital Patliputra from other outlying towns (bāhereshu nagareshu). Among these outer cities, we find mention of Tosali and Samapa in the Province of Kalinga, Suvarnagiri and Isilā in the Southern Province, Ujeni in the Province of Avanti, Takasila in the Province of Uttarāpatha and Kosāmbi situated in the Province of Vatsa. Patliputra served as the official headquarters of the Imperial Government as also of the home Province of Magadha.
The accounts of Megasthenes and Strabo in regard to the city administration, under the early Maurya regime, is remarkable for its perspicuity and clearness. The accounts correspond closely though not wholly with those of Kautilya as has been shown by Dr. R. K. Mookerji. According to Strabo, the Officers i, e. the City Magistrates, who had charge of the city of Patliputra, were divided into six boards of five members each. Their respective functions were :-?
1. CGMT, pp. 75 and 143-45 ; also CHAI, pp. 285-89.
2. Qtd. CHT, Vol. I, Chap. XVI, p. 418; Dr. Mookerji has compared these with those of Kautilya, CGMT, pp. 148-45 ; Mog. Frag. 36a ; Cf. Strabo, XV, C, 707.