4. The Mauryan Empire

1. Introduction to the Mauryan Empire

The Mauryan Empire was founded in the 4th century BCE by Chandragupta Maurya. He overthrew the Nanda dynasty from Magadha and the Greek Satraps from the North-West, unifying a large part of the Indian subcontinent under a centralized government. His successors, Bindusara and Ashoka, further expanded and strengthened the empire.

2. Sources of the Mauryan Empire

A. Literary Sources

Our understanding of Mauryan history heavily relies on contemporary literary works.

Concept

Arthashastra: Written by Kautilya (also known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta), the advisor and Prime Minister of Chandragupta Maurya. It is a comprehensive manual in Sanskrit dealing with politics, rules of diplomacy, principles of administration, and the duties of a king.

Indika: Written by Megasthenes, the Greek ambassador sent by Seleucus Nicator to the court of Chandragupta Maurya. Though the original is lost, fragments survive. It describes the emperor's life, showing he lived in fear of assassination (having food tasted before eating, sleeping in different bedrooms, and being surrounded by armed female guards).

B. Archaeological Sources

Physical monuments and inscriptions provide the most authentic information, especially regarding Ashoka's reign.

Edicts of Ashoka: Decrees issued by Ashoka, inscribed on rocks and pillars throughout the country. They are the oldest, best-preserved, and precisely dated records of India.
- Includes 14 Major Rock Edicts, 7 Pillar Edicts, and several Minor Rock Edicts.
- Most are written in the Brahmi script (left to right), while a few in the North-West are in Kharosthi script (right to left).
- They provide insight into his ideals, especially his post-Kalinga shift from war to Dhammaghosha (call to non-violence), and his ban on animal sacrifices.

Fact

Sanchi Stupa: A semi-spherical solid dome structure made of unburnt bricks and stones, built by Ashoka near Bhopal, MP. It represents the spiritual body of Buddha and contains his relics (hair, teeth, bones) in a casket at its base. The pillars are surmounted by capitals, the most famous being the Lion Capital, which was adopted as the Emblem of India.

3. The Mauryan Rulers

Chandragupta Maurya (The Founder)

With the help of Chanakya, he destroyed the Nanda dynasty and captured Pataliputra.
He defeated the Greek general Seleucus Nicator around 305 BCE. Through a treaty, he gained Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, and Baluchistan, and married Seleucus's daughter, Helen.
Extent of Empire: From Kabul/Kandahar in the North-West to Mysore in the South, and from Bengal in the East to Saurashtra in the West.
According to Jain tradition, he renounced the world in his later years and handed the throne to his son, Bindusara.

Bindusara

Succeeded Chandragupta. Greek historians called him a "slayer of foes."
He conquered many parts of South India and defeated 16 rulers.
Maintained friendly relations with the rulers of Greece.

Ashoka (The Great)

Ashoka succeeded Bindusara. He took the titles of Devanamapriya (Beloved of the Gods) and Priyadarshi (The Beautiful One).

Important

The Kalinga War and its Consequences:
The immense death and destruction of the Kalinga War deeply touched Ashoka's conscience.

He abandoned Bherighosha (policy of conquest by force) and Digvijay (victory in all directions) and embraced Dhammaghosha (policy of religion/peace).
He stopped hunting, eating meat, and abandoned luxury.
Prisoners of war were used for agricultural work, leading to economic prosperity.
He embraced Buddhism, banned animal sacrifice, built 84,000 stupas, and sent missionaries (including his son Mahindra and daughter Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka).
The abandonment of war led to a decline in military preparedness.

4. Mauryan Administration

The Mauryan Empire was the first to have a Pan-Indian character, which ended small states, boosted foreign trade, protected India from foreign aggression, and brought immense economic prosperity.

A. Civil Administration

Central Government: A centralized paternal despotism (Ashoka declared, "all men are my children"). The King was the supreme authority and supreme judge. He was assisted by the Mantri Parishad (Council of Ministers), which included the Purohit (Chief Priest), Senapati (Military Advisor), Sannidhata (Head Treasurer), and Samaharta (Taxation Expert).
Provincial Government: The empire was divided into 5 provinces:
1. Magadha (Capital: Pataliputra)
2. Gandhara (Capital: Takshila)
3. Avanti (Capital: Ujjain)
4. Southern Province (Capital: Suvarnagiri)
5. Kalinga (Added by Ashoka, Capital: Tosali)
Provinces were headed by a Prince (Kumar/Aryaputra), assisted by a Governor (Mahamatra).
District and City Administration: Provinces were divided into districts called Janapadas (managed by Pradeshika, Rajuka, and Yukta). The head of a city was called Nagaradhyaksha.
Revenue System: Land revenue was the chief source of income (1/6th to 1/4th of the produce). Ashokan edicts mention Bhaga (tax on agricultural produce) and Bali (religious tribute). Other taxes included toll tax and taxes from forests and mines.
Spy System: An elaborate network of spies kept the king informed about the bureaucracy and the public.

B. Military Administration

Chandragupta maintained a huge standing army consisting of 6,00,000 infantry, 30,000 cavalry, 9,000 war elephants, and 8,000 chariots.
The king was the commander-in-chief, and the army was managed by a military commission of 30 members. Soldiers were paid in cash.

5. Ashoka's Dhamma

After the Kalinga War, Ashoka became the people's king. He did not force Buddhism on his subjects but propagated Dhamma.

Concept

Dhamma: It is not a religion or religious system, but a Moral Law, a Common Code of Conduct, or an Ethical Order meant to unify people of all religions.

Principles of Dhamma:
- Respect for elders and love for children.
- Ahimsa (non-violence) toward all living beings.
- Good deeds (Karma) bring happiness in the next birth.
- Respect for all religions (religious tolerance).
- Disapproval of empty, meaningless rituals.
Impact of Dhamma: It brought religious unity, instilled moral values among the public, practically ended crimes/thefts, and directed state funds toward massive public welfare and public work schemes, creating widespread prosperity.