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Which of the following is the most reliable literary source for the Mauryan administration?

1. Harshacharita of Banabhatta
2. Rajatarangini of Kalhana
3. Arthashastra of Kautilya
4. Vikramankadevacharita of Bilhana

Correct answer: Arthashastra of Kautilya

Solution

The Arthashastra is the most important literary source for understanding Mauryan administration because it discusses statecraft, economy, espionage, and governance in detail. The other texts belong to later periods and are not primary sources for Mauryan administration.

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