Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists :

List-I (Mahamatta) List-II (Function)
A. Anta-mahamatta 1. Women’s welfare
B. Ithijhakha-mahamatta 2. Spread of Dhamma
C. Dhamma-mahamatta 3. Associated with city administration
D. Nagalaviyohalaka-mahamatta 4. In-charge of frontier areas

Code :

A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4
A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3
A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2022
The correct option is C: A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3.
During the Mauryan Empire, particularly under Emperor Ashoka, various officials known as Mahamattas were appointed to oversee different aspects of administration and implement the emperor’s policies. The question asks to match specific types of Mahamattas with their functions:
– **Anta-mahamatta:** Anta means end or border. These officials were in charge of the frontier areas of the empire. (Match A with 4)
– **Ithijhakha-mahamatta:** Also known as Stri-adhyaksha Mahamatta, these officials were responsible for supervising and promoting the welfare of women. (Match B with 1)
– **Dhamma-mahamatta:** These officials were specially appointed by Ashoka to propagate Dhamma, ensure its observance, and look after the welfare of different religious and social groups. (Match C with 2)
– **Nagalaviyohalaka-mahamatta:** These officials were judicial officers appointed in the cities (Nagara) to administer justice. (Match D with 3)
Ashoka appointed Dhamma-mahamattas in the 14th year of his reign. Their role was crucial in implementing Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma, which emphasized social responsibility, tolerance, and welfare. Other types of officials existed in the Mauryan administration, but these specific Mahamattas played distinct roles as indicated in Ashokan inscriptions.