How did the administrative machinery of the Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta Maurya differ fundamentally from the preceding Nanda administration, despite inheriting its centralized structure?

Options:

• A: The Mauryas completely decentralized the empire, giving absolute autonomy to village assemblies (Sabhas).
• B: The Mauryas replaced the standing army with a system of feudal levies provided by regional chieftains.
• C: The Mauryas established a highly systematized, pervasive espionage network (Gudha Purushas) and a welfare-oriented bureaucratic control over the economy.
• D: The Mauryas abolished all forms of agricultural taxation, relying solely on maritime trade duties.

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