How did the Gupta Adminstrative practices differ from the Maurya

http://www.civilserviceindia.com/subject/History/prelims/gupta-administration.html

http://www.bharatadesam.com/history/maurya_empire.php

http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Maurya_Empire

Read carefully and take good notes.

The Gupta Empire and the Maurya Empire were two prominent ancient Indian dynasties that ruled over large parts of the Indian subcontinent at different periods. While both empires left significant administrative legacies, there were distinct differences in their administrative practices.

To understand these differences, you can explore historical sources, scholarly articles, or books that analyze the administrative systems of both empires. Here are a few key points to consider:

1. Centralization vs. Decentralization:
- The Maurya Empire, particularly under Emperor Ashoka, had a highly centralized administrative structure. Ashoka divided his empire into provinces and appointed officials known as mahamatras to govern them centrally. The mahamatras had significant powers and reported directly to the emperor.
- In contrast, the Gupta Empire followed a more decentralized administrative model. The empire was divided into smaller territorial units called bhuktis, which were then divided into even smaller units known as vishayas. Local lords known as vishayapatis governed the vishayas, which allowed for greater local autonomy and flexibility.

2. Revenue Collection and Taxation:
- The Mauryan Empire implemented an extensive system of taxation and revenue collection. Ashoka introduced sophisticated techniques like land surveys and assessment to ensure proper taxation. The revenue collected was used to fund the empire's administration, infrastructure, and military.
- The Gupta Empire also had a well-organized revenue collection system, but it relied more heavily on land revenue. The Gupta rulers encouraged private ownership of land and collected taxes in the form of a share of agricultural produce known as bali. This system provided incentives for tax collection and agricultural development.

3. Judicial System:
- The Mauryan Empire had a comprehensive judicial system. Ashoka established a network of courts and appointed judges who were responsible for resolving legal disputes. He also promoted the concept of Dhamma, which emphasized moral and ethical values in governance and justice.
- The Gupta Empire continued the traditions of the Mauryas but with some variations. The Gupta rulers appointed judges at different levels, from the local to the royal courts. Legal codes and precedents played a crucial role in their judicial system.

By studying these aspects further, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the administrative practices of the Gupta and Maurya Empires. Remember to consult reliable sources and compare different viewpoints to form a well-rounded understanding of the topic.