Mauryan Empire Administration System Explained for UPSC The Mauryan Empire had a strongly centralised and well-organised system of administration, based largely on the principles described in Kautilya’s Arthashastra, along with information from Megasthenes’ Indika and Ashoka’s edicts. At the highest level, the emperor held supreme authority over the executive, judicial, and military affairs of the empire. He was assisted by the Mantriparishad (Council of Ministers) and a well-developed hierarchy of officials and administrators.