The Gupta rulers did not require as many officials as the Mauryas did. Which one of the following is not a reason for this?

Much of the imperial administration was managed by feudatories and beneficiaries

The state did not take part in economic activities on any big scale as it did in Maurya  times.

The participation of leading artisans, merchants, elders etc in rural and urban administration also lessened the need for maintaining a large retinue of officers      

The Gupta emperors generally patronised Brahmanism rather than heterodox sects