Mantriparishad

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**Maurya Empire**
The Maurya Empire at its largest extent under Ashoka the Great.
Imperial Symbol: The Lion Capital of Ashoka
Founder	Chandragupta Maurya
Preceding State(s)	Nanda Dynasty of Magadha Mahajanapadas
Languages	Pali Prakrit Sanskrit
Religions	Buddhism Hinduism Jainism
Capital	Pataliputra
Head of State	Samraat (Emperor)
First Emperor	Chandragupta Maurya
Last Emperor	Brhadrata
Government	Centralized Absolute Monarchy with Divine Right of Kings as described in the Arthashastra
Divisions	4 provinces: Tosali Ujjain Suvarnagiri Taxila Semi-independent tribes
Administration	Inner Council of Ministers (Mantriparishad) under a Mahamantri with a larger assembly of ministers (Mantrinomantriparisadamca). Extensive network of officials from treasurers (Sannidhatas) to collectors (Samahartas) and clerks (Karmikas). Provincial administration under regional viceroys (Kumara or Aryaputra) with their own Mantriparishads and supervisory officials (Mahamattas). Provinces divided into districts run by lower officials and similar stratification down to individual villages run by headmen and supervised by Imperial officials (Gopas).
Area	5 million km² ^[1] (Southern Asia and parts of Central Asia)
Population	50 million ^[2] (one third of the world population ^[3])
Currency	Silver Ingots (Panas)
Existed	322–185 BCE
Dissolution	Military coup by Pusyamitra Sunga
Succeeding state	Sunga Empire

The Mantriparishad was the council of ministers that was part of the administrative system of the Maurya Empire in Ancient India.

1 History
2 Organization and Structure
3 Provincial Mantriparishads
4 References
5 See also

[edit] History

The Mantriparishad was formed during the reign of the First Mauryan Emperor Chandragupta Maurya on the basis of Kautilyas Arthashastra.

[edit] Organization and Structure

The Mantriparishad was a small council of few ministers, smaller than the larger assembly of ministers or Mantrinomantriparisadamca. It was led by a Chief Minister or Mahamantri.It was an inner council and close advisory body to the Emperor. The consultations with the Emperor were held privately, often secretly. This was done because Kautilya realized that that is the best way to ensure confidentiality and frankness in their advice.