Meaning of the term Ayukta used during Mauryan Empire
In the context of the Mauryan Empire, “Ayukta” referred to officials who held a lower rank than the Yuktas. They were responsible for carrying out various administrative and financial tasks at the local level under the supervision of the Yuktas.
The term “Ayukta” means “unskilled” or “inexperienced” in Sanskrit. Ayuktas were typically appointed to oversee smaller administrative divisions or to assist Yuktas with their duties. They played a crucial role in the functioning of the Mauryan state, helping to ensure that the policies and directives of the central administration were implemented effectively and efficiently at the local level.
Ayuktas were responsible for a range of tasks, including tax collection, revenue collection, maintenance of public infrastructure, and the implementation of government policies related to trade and commerce. They were also responsible for maintaining law and order within their assigned administrative divisions, and for reporting any issues or problems to their superiors.
Overall, Ayuktas played an important role in the administrative machinery of the Mauryan Empire, helping to ensure that the policies of the central administration were implemented effectively and that the needs of the people were met at the local level.