Multiple choice What did the term 'nikaya' refer to during the Maurya period? Village headman A type of coin A group of administrators Religious philosophy Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself C Correct answer Explanation The king during the Maurya period was assisted by a council of advisors styled the Parishad or the Mantri Parishad. There were also bodies of trained officials (nikaya) who looked after the ordinary affairs of the realm.