Ashoka followed the administrative system of Chandragupta Maurya, though he made some important changes and improvements in terms of implementation of policies and objectives. He called his subjects his children. He kept welfare of all people and valour as his primary duties. He appointed Rajuk, Yukta, and Pradeshik etc. They dealt with land, justice and accounts.
He created the post of Dhamma Mahamatra. His job was to create harmony between various communities. His job also included to provide aid and assistance to unjustly persectued people and their families. Ashoka set up such a system which enabled communication of the problems of common people to the king at all times and from all places. He appointed ‘Prativedaks’, the mention of whom is made in his 6th rock edict.
In order to bring uniformity in the judicial system, the Rajukas were given independent power in justice – related matters in the 25th year of Ashoka’s reign. He liberalised the penal code and abolished inhuman punishments. He released prisoners on his coronation day. Three days were given to death sentence awardee prisoners for repentence.
In non – violence oriented reforms, Ashoka gave up war policy. He emphasised medical care, roads, well and tree plantation for the welfare of all living beings. He made rural development his priority. Stradhyaksha, Vrajabhumik, Mahamantra, Nagar Vyavaharik, Antamahamatra etc. were appointed to oversee matters related to women, animal protection, justice and border regions.
These appointments helped Ashoka to connect administration with common people. By founding Dhamma’, Ashoka prepared an agenda for the king, subjects and bureaucracy. This improved mutual relations. Ashoka made an efficient foreign policy. Hence, Ashoka made the established Mauryan administration more efficient and capable.
