Mauryan Period

Origin

• Origin of the Mauryan Empire: The Mauryan Empire originated from the kingdom of Magadha, which was one of the most powerful states in ancient India.
• Founder: Chandragupta Maurya (c. 322–297 BCE) founded the Mauryan Empire after overthrowing the Nanda dynasty.
• Conquest of the Indo-Greek territories: Chandragupta defeated Alexander’s general Seleucus I Nicator in 305 BCE, securing control over the western regions.
• Alliance with Seleucus: A treaty was signed between Chandragupta and Seleucus, which included the exchange of territories and the marriage of Sophagasia (Seleucus’ daughter) to Chandragupta.

Kings

Ashoka Dhamma

• Definition: Ashoka Dhamma was a set of moral and ethical principles promoted by Ashoka the Great to guide the people of his empire.
• Core Principles:
  • Non-violence (Ahimsa)
  • Truthfulness
  • Honesty
  • Respect for elders
  • Compassion and tolerance
• Implementation:
  • Spread through edicts inscribed on pillars and rocks.
  • Emphasized social harmony, religious tolerance, and ethical governance.
• Key Edicts:
  • Minor Rock Edicts: These are Ashoka’s earliest proclamations, often personal in tone, and provide direct evidence of his conversion to Buddhism. They are notable for being the only inscriptions where he is explicitly mentioned by the name Ashoka at sites like Maski and Brahmagiri.
  • Major Rock Edicts: Consisting of 14 detailed proclamations found on frontiers, these edicts outline Ashoka’s vision for peaceful governance through Dhamma. They cover themes such as religious tolerance, medical care for humans and animals, and his famous remorse over the Kalinga War.
  • Inscribed Pillars: These monolithic sandstone columns, like the one at Sarnath, were erected at sacred Buddhist sites and busy trade routes. They carry inscriptions that emphasize moral conduct, the duties of government officials, and Ashoka’s commitment to protecting his subjects.
• Impact: Ashoka Dhamma became a significant influence on Buddhist philosophy and ethical governance in ancient India.

Society

• Social Structure:
  • Brahmins: Highest caste, engaged in religious and scholarly activities.
  • Kshatriyas: Warrior class, responsible for defense and governance.
  • Vaishyas: Merchants and farmers.
  • Shudras: Laborers and service providers.
• Women:
  • Enjoyed relatively more freedom compared to other ancient societies.
  • Some women held positions in the royal court.
• Religious Practices:
  • Buddhism and Jainism gained prominence under Ashoka.
  • Hinduism remained the dominant religion.
• Education:
  • Prominent in the Mauryan period, with gurukuls and state-sponsored schools.
  • Emphasis on scripture study, moral education, and administration.

Economy

• Agriculture:
  • The backbone of the economy.
  • Use of irrigation systems, canals, and wet rice cultivation.
• Trade:
  • Extensive trade networks with Greece, Persia, and South Asia.
  • Use of coins and standardized weights and measures.
• Taxation:
  • Taxes were levied on land, livestock, and goods.
  • Land revenue was a major source of income.
• Infrastructure:
  • Development of roads, canals, and granaries.
  • Construction of rock-cut caves and monasteries.

Political Structure

• Centralized Administration:
  • The empire was divided into provinces (e.g., Uttarapatha, ** Dakshinapatha**).
  • Each province was governed by a Governor appointed by the king.
• Bureaucracy:
  • A well-organized bureaucracy with departments for revenue, military, and public works.
  • Officials were appointed based on merit and loyalty.
• Military:
  • A large and well-disciplined army.
  • Use of elephants, cavalry, and infantry.
• Legal System:
  • Laws were enforced through Edicts and judicial courts.
  • Emphasis on justice, equality, and public welfare.

Decline

• Causes:
  • Succession disputes after Ashoka’s death.
  • Weak central authority leading to regional fragmentation.
  • Invasion by the Sunga dynasty (c. 185 BCE).
• Key Events:
  • Pushyamitra Sunga overthrew the Mauryan dynasty.
  • The empire fragmented into smaller kingdoms.
• Legacy:
  • The Mauryan Empire is remembered for its administrative efficiency, moral governance, and cultural achievements.
  • It laid the foundation for future Indian empires and centralized governance.

Key Facts for Exams (SSC, RRB)

• Founder of Mauryan Empire: Chandragupta Maurya
• Most powerful Mauryan ruler: Ashoka the Great
• Ashoka Dhamma: Moral and ethical principles promoted by Ashoka
• Ashoka’s Edicts: Inscribed on pillars and rocks, spread Dhamma
• Mauryan Empire’s extent: From Assam to Afghanistan, Gujarat to Bengal
• Capital of Mauryan Empire: Pataliputra
• Mauryan Coinage: Standardized coins with inscriptions in Prakrit
• Decline of Mauryan Empire: Due to internal strife and invasion by Sunga dynasty

Important Terms and Definitions

• Dhamma: Moral and ethical principles promoted by Ashoka.
• Edicts: Inscribed messages promoting moral and religious values.
• Bureaucracy: Administrative system with specialized departments.
• Merit-based appointments: Selection of officials based on ability and loyalty.
• Centralized administration: Power concentrated in the hands of the emperor.