Option d is the correct answer According to the 'Arthashastra' of Kautilya the courts that existed in the judicial system of Mauryan Age are: Dharmasthiya: Dharmasthiya refers to the civil court in the Mauryan administration. It was responsible for handling civil matters and disputes among the people. This court would have dealt with issues related to property, contracts, family matters, and other civil disputes, applying legal principles and local customs to make judgments. Kantakshodhana: Kantakshodhana represents the criminal court in the Mauryan system. This court was focused on addressing criminal offenses and maintaining law and order. It would have dealt with cases involving theft, assault, murder, and other criminal activities. The court aimed to ensure that justice was served and appropriate punishments were meted out to offenders. Whereas, Dharmamahamatra was responsible for the overall administration of justice and ensuring that legal matters were handled according to dharma (law and ethical principles). Rajukas, derived from "rajju" possibly meaning land measurement, were crucial Mauryan officials managing districts. They oversaw taxation, records, and governance, aiding efficient local administration and revenue collection. Important Tips Judicial Administration in Mauryan empire: Supreme Authority of the King: The king was the highest authority in the judicial system and personally heard cases to ensure fairness and accessibility. Prompt Adjudication: The king adhered to Kautilya's advice and didn't keep petitioners waiting, preventing confusion and public dissatisfaction. Judges and Pradeshtris: Judges known as Dharmasthas and Pradeshtris responsible for criminal suppression played crucial roles in delivering justice. Local Courts: Various civil and criminal courts operated at local levels, from villages to provinces, resolving disputes efficiently. Foreigner Cases: Fairness extended to cases involving foreigners, ensuring equitable treatment. Punishment Severity: Punishments like decapitation, amputation, fines, and forfeitures were imposed based on varna, gravity of offense, and circumstances. Death Penalty: Even during Ashoka's reign, death penalty was present, but provisions for three-day respite were introduced to appeal decisions. Kautilya's Influence: Kautilya's Arthashastra emphasized proper justice administration, balancing severity with fairness. Sources of Law: The four sources of law in Mauryan justice were dharma (accepted principles), vyavahara (legal codes), charitra (customs), and rajasasaru (royal decrees).