MAURYAN EMPIRE
There are various inscriptions, archaeological sites, and literary sources that provide insights into the Mauryan Empire:
1.1 Inscriptions:
- Edicts of Ashoka: Emperor Ashoka, one of the prominent Mauryan rulers, left a series of inscriptions known as the "Edicts of Ashoka." These inscriptions were carved on rocks, pillars, and cave walls throughout the empire and are written in various languages including Prakrit and Greek. The edicts promote concepts of morality, non-violence, and social welfare. They provide valuable information about Ashoka's policies, administration, and his conversion to Buddhism.
1.2. Archaeological Sites:
- Sarnath: Sarnath is an important archaeological site where Gautama Buddha is believed to have given his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. It's a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists and has ruins from the Mauryan period.
- Sanchi: The Great Stupa at Sanchi, built by Emperor Ashoka, is an iconic structure of Buddhist architecture. It contains intricate carvings depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha and Ashoka's inscriptions.
- Pataliputra (modern-day Patna): The capital of the Mauryan Empire, Pataliputra, was a major urban center. While much of the ancient city's remains are buried beneath the modern city, archaeological explorations have revealed some aspects of its layout and structures.
1.3. Literary Sources:
- "Arthashastra": While not specifically about the Mauryan Empire, the "Arthashastra" attributed to Chanakya provides insights into the political and administrative practices of the time, which can be related to the Mauryan period.
- Greek Accounts: Literary sources such as the writings of Greek historians like Megasthenes provide external accounts of the Mauryan Empire. Megasthenes' work "Indica" offers valuable information about the Mauryan capital, society, and administration.
1.4. Coins:
These inscriptions, sites, and literary sources collectively offer a multi-faceted understanding of the Mauryan Empire's governance, culture, and historical context. They are crucial resources for historians and scholars studying ancient Indian history and its impact on subsequent civilizations.
The Mauryan Empire, one of the first major empires in ancient India, was founded by Chandragupta Maurya and lasted from approximately 322 BCE to 185 BCE. Here's an overview of the rulers and key events in the political history of the Mauryan Empire:
1. Chandragupta Maurya (c. 322–298 BCE):
Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Mauryan Empire. He established his rule by overthrowing the Nanda dynasty, which ruled the Magadha region at the time. He was guided by his mentor Chanakya (also known as Kautilya), a political strategist and author of the "Arthashastra." Chandragupta's reign marked the beginning of the Mauryan dynasty.
2. Bindusara (c. 298–273 BCE):
Chandragupta Maurya was succeeded by his son Bindusara. Bindusara continued the expansion of the empire and is said to have maintained friendly relations with the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire. He extended Mauryan rule into Deccan and South India.
3. Ashoka the Great (c. 273–232 BCE):
Ashoka, also known as Ashoka the Great, is perhaps the most famous Mauryan ruler. He initially came to power through violent means, including a succession battle that involved the elimination of rivals. However, after the Kalinga War, which was a brutal conflict, Ashoka underwent a spiritual transformation and converted to Buddhism. He became known for his policy of dharma (righteousness) and non-violence. His reign saw the spread of Buddhism, the establishment of the "Edicts of Ashoka," and the promotion of social welfare and moral governance.
4. Decline and Successors:
After Ashoka's death, the empire went through a period of decline. His successors could not maintain the vast territory he had ruled, and the Mauryan Empire gradually fragmented. The last Mauryan ruler is believed to be Brihadratha, who was assassinated by his general Pushyamitra Shunga, leading to the rise of the Shunga dynasty.
Ashoka, also known as Ashoka the Great, left behind a series of inscriptions that provide valuable insights into his policies, beliefs, and governance. These inscriptions were carved on rocks, pillars, and cave walls throughout the Mauryan Empire. Many of these inscriptions have been discovered at various archaeological sites across the Indian subcontinent.
Here are some notable Ashokan inscriptions and sites associated with them:
1. Major Rock Edicts:
Ashoka's Major Rock Edicts are a set of inscriptions found on rocks and boulders across India. They cover a wide range of topics, including moral precepts, social welfare measures, and administrative policies.
Some key rock edict sites include:
- Girnar, Gujarat: This site contains a large number of rock edicts, providing a comprehensive overview of Ashoka's policies. The edicts here are written in Brahmi script and Prakrit language.
- Dhauli, Odisha: The rock edicts at Dhauli are known for their emphasis on non-violence and compassion. They are written in Prakrit and Brahmi script.
- Kalsi, Uttarakhand: The edicts at Kalsi provide insights into Ashoka's policy of Dhamma and the promotion of welfare measures.
2. Pillar Edicts:
Ashoka also erected several pillars with inscriptions that were strategically placed along trade routes and important urban centers. These pillars were made of polished sandstone and carried Ashoka's messages.
Some significant pillar edict sites include:
- Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh: The famous Lion Capital of Ashoka, which now serves as the national emblem of India, was originally located here. The site includes inscriptions on the pillar.
- Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh: The Ashoka Pillar at Sanchi is one of the finest examples of Mauryan architecture and contains inscriptions related to Ashoka's commitment to Dhamma.
3. Minor Rock Edicts and Cave Inscriptions:
In addition to the major rock edicts, there are minor rock edicts and inscriptions found in caves that provide further information about Ashoka's policies and beliefs
These inscriptions collectively provide a comprehensive view of Ashoka's approach to governance, his commitment to moral principles, and his efforts to promote welfare and religious tolerance. They showcase his transformation from a conqueror to a promoter of non-violence and compassion. These inscriptions are not only valuable historical records but also offer insights into the socio-political and cultural landscape of ancient India during the Mauryan period.
4. Ashokan reign
Ashoka the Great, also known as Ashoka Maurya, was a significant ruler of the Mauryan Empire who reigned from around 273 BCE to 232 BCE. His reign marked a turning point in the history of the Indian subcontinent due to his transformation from a conqueror to a promoter of peace and moral principles, particularly influenced by Buddhism.
Here are some key aspects of Ashoka's reign:
1. Early Reign and Expansion:
Ashoka ascended the throne after the death of his father, Bindusara. He continued the expansion of the Mauryan Empire, conquering and annexing various regions. His reign saw military campaigns that extended the empire's territory, including the conquest of the Kalinga region. The brutalities of the Kalinga War had a profound impact on Ashoka's outlook and policies.
2. Conversion to Buddhism:
Following the Kalinga War, Ashoka was deeply affected by the suffering caused by his military campaigns. He embraced Buddhism, which emphasized non-violence, compassion, and the pursuit of spiritual growth. Ashoka's conversion marked a significant shift in his policies and governance.
3. Dhamma and Moral Governance:
Ashoka's embrace of Buddhism led him to formulate his concept of "Dhamma" (Dharma), which went beyond religious doctrines and encompassed ethical and moral principles. He aimed to govern his empire in accordance with these principles, promoting social welfare, justice, and compassion.
4. Edicts and Inscriptions:
Ashoka's legacy is preserved through a series of rock and pillar edicts inscribed throughout the empire. These inscriptions, written in various languages including Prakrit and Greek, communicated his policies, moral teachings, and instructions for good governance. The inscriptions emphasized religious tolerance and the well-being of his subjects.
5. Social Welfare and Public Works:
Ashoka's reign witnessed a focus on public welfare and the well-being of his subjects. He established hospitals, shelters for humans and animals, and planting of trees along roads to provide shade and sustenance.
6. International Relations:
Ashoka maintained diplomatic relations with neighboring kingdoms and foreign states, including the Hellenistic kingdoms and Egypt. He sent emissaries to spread his teachings and establish friendly relations with other rulers.
7. Legacy:
Ashoka's legacy lies in his transformation from a military ruler to a compassionate and ethical monarch. His commitment to non-violence, religious tolerance, and moral governance left a lasting impact on Indian culture and history. His inscriptions provide valuable insights into his policies and principles, and his efforts to spread Buddhism contributed to the religion's growth and dissemination across Asia.
5. Ashoka and Buddhism
Ashoka the Great played a pivotal role in the history of Buddhism, both in terms of its propagation and its influence on his policies and governance. His conversion to Buddhism had a profound impact on his reign and the subsequent development of the religion. Here's a closer look at Ashoka's relationship with Buddhism:
1. Conversion to Buddhism:
Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism came after the Kalinga War, a conflict that deeply affected him due to the immense suffering it caused. He realized the futility of conquest and the horrors of war, leading him to embrace the principles of non-violence, compassion, and moral righteousness that were central to Buddhism.
2. Promotion of Buddhism:
After converting to Buddhism, Ashoka actively promoted the teachings of the Buddha and the principles of Dhamma (Dharma). He sponsored the construction of Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and viharas. He sent missions to various parts of the world to spread Buddhist teachings, including regions within his empire and beyond its borders.
3. Rock and Pillar Edicts:
Ashoka's edicts, inscribed on rocks and pillars throughout the empire, communicated his policies and moral teachings. The edicts emphasized concepts such as compassion, non-violence, tolerance, and the welfare of all beings. Ashoka used these edicts to promote ethical conduct and to encourage his subjects to live in accordance with Buddhist values.
4. Third Buddhist Council:
Ashoka convened the Third Buddhist Council at Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) during his reign. The council aimed to address disputes within the Buddhist monastic community and to preserve the purity of the teachings. Moggaliputta Tissa, a prominent Buddhist monk, played a key role in organizing and overseeing the council.
5. Impact on Buddhist Architecture:
Ashoka's patronage significantly contributed to the development of Buddhist architecture. He commissioned the construction of several stupas, most notably the Great Stupa at Sanchi, which is one of the finest examples of Mauryan architecture. These stupas became important pilgrimage sites and symbols of Buddhist worship.
6. Legacy:
Ashoka's support for Buddhism not only helped the religion spread within and beyond his empire but also influenced the trajectory of Buddhism as a global faith. His reign marked a period of significant integration between statecraft and Buddhist ethics. Ashoka's commitment to principles such as non-violence, religious tolerance, and social welfare left an enduring impact on Buddhist thought and practice.
6. Ashoka Policy of Dhamma
Ashoka's policy of Dhamma (also spelled as Dharma) was a central aspect of his governance and reign. Dhamma, in this context, refers to a set of ethical and moral principles that guided Ashoka's rule and shaped his policies. It was not exclusively limited to Buddhist doctrines but encompassed a broader framework of righteous conduct and welfare for all beings. Here are the key aspects of Ashoka's policy of Dhamma:
1. Universal Welfare:
One of the primary objectives of Ashoka's policy of Dhamma was the well-being of all his subjects. This included humans as well as animals. He expressed a deep concern for the welfare of his people, emphasizing that even the smallest acts of compassion contribute to the welfare of all.
2. Non-Violence (Ahimsa):
Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism led him to embrace the principle of non-violence. He renounced aggressive war and military conquest and instead advocated for the peaceful resolution of conflicts. His edicts emphasize the desire for the welfare and happiness of all living beings, which was in line with Buddhist teachings.
3. Tolerance and Religious Pluralism:
Ashoka's Dhamma policy promoted religious tolerance and acceptance. He supported the practice of various religions within his empire and encouraged his subjects to respect other faiths. His edicts speak of his desire to foster harmony and unity among diverse religious communities.
4. Moral Virtues and Ethical Conduct:
Ashoka's Dhamma emphasized ethical conduct, virtues, and moral values. He encouraged honesty, integrity, compassion, kindness, and respect for parents, elders, and teachers. His edicts provided guidance on how individuals should conduct themselves in their daily lives.
5. Social Welfare Measures:
Under Ashoka's policy of Dhamma, he introduced a range of social welfare measures aimed at improving the lives of his subjects. He built hospitals, shelters, and rest houses for travelers. He also implemented measures to alleviate poverty and provide medical care to both humans and animals.
6. Responsibility of the Ruler:
Ashoka saw himself as a responsible and compassionate ruler who sought the welfare of his subjects. He considered it his duty to ensure justice, provide for the needy, and create an environment conducive to ethical and moral living.
7. Edicts and Inscriptions:
Ashoka's policy of Dhamma was communicated through a series of rock and pillar edicts. These inscriptions were placed in various parts of his empire and conveyed his commitment to ethical governance, the welfare of all, and the promotion of moral principles.
The Mauryan Empire was known for its efficient and organized administrative system, which played a crucial role in maintaining the empire's stability and governance. Chandragupta Maurya and his successors implemented various administrative practices to effectively manage their vast territories. Here's an overview of the Mauryan administration:
1. Centralized Authority:
The Mauryan administration was characterized by strong central authority, with the emperor at the top of the hierarchy. The ruler's decisions were final, and he controlled both the civil and military aspects of the empire.
2. Provincial Administration:
The empire was divided into provinces known as "janapadas" or "deshas," each under the charge of a royal prince or a trusted governor. These provincial administrators were responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and ensuring that the emperor's policies were implemented.
3. Districts and Local Administration:
Provinces were further divided into districts, which were overseen by officials known as "mahamatras." These officials were responsible for collecting revenue, maintaining order, and reporting directly to the central administration.
4. Administrative Officials:
The administration had a hierarchy of officials who managed various aspects of governance:
- Mantriparishad: The council of ministers advised the king on policy matters.
- Mahamatyas: These high-ranking officials oversaw provinces and districts.
- Yuktas: Officials in charge of revenue collection and administration.
- Sannidhatas: Governors of towns and cities.
- Pradeshikas: Local administrators responsible for maintaining law and order.
5. Taxation and Revenue Collection:
Revenue was a crucial aspect of administration. The state collected taxes in various forms, including land taxes, agricultural produce, and trade-related taxes. The revenue collected was used to finance the empire's administration and various welfare activities.
6. Judiciary:
The Mauryan administration had a judicial system to ensure justice and maintain law and order. Royal judges presided over courts that dealt with both civil and criminal cases. Legal matters were influenced by the principles of Dhamma.
7. Military Administration:
The military was an integral part of the Mauryan administration. The emperor maintained a standing army that was organized into various units. Military officials were responsible for defense, maintaining order, and executing the emperor's orders.
8. Communication and Infrastructure:
The administration invested in building road networks and rest houses to facilitate communication and trade. The Mauryan emperor Ashoka is particularly known for constructing "Pillars of Ashoka" and edicts at strategic points along these roads.
9. Intelligence and Espionage:
The Mauryan administration also had an espionage network to gather information about various aspects of the empire, including potential threats from within and outside.
8.Foreign relations of Mauryans
The Mauryan Empire, under the leadership of various rulers, had significant interactions with several foreign regions and powers. Here's an overview of the foreign relations of the Mauryan Empire:
1. Seleucid Empire:
One of the most well-documented interactions was between the Mauryan Empire and the Seleucid Empire, centered in Hellenistic Greece. The most famous account of these interactions comes from the Greek ambassador Megasthenes, who visited the court of Chandragupta Maurya. The two empires established diplomatic ties and even exchanged gifts. This relationship led to the Treaty of Seleucus, which formalized the boundaries between their respective empires.
2. Hellenistic Kingdoms:
Apart from the Seleucids, the Mauryan Empire had interactions with other Hellenistic kingdoms as well, due to its expansion into northern India. This contact likely influenced aspects of art, architecture, and culture in the region.
3. South Indian Kingdoms:
The Mauryans expanded their influence into the Deccan and South India, interacting with various southern kingdoms. These interactions were primarily commercial and cultural in nature, and they contributed to the exchange of goods and ideas between the northern and southern regions of the subcontinent.
4. Trade and Diplomacy:
The Mauryan Empire's location at the crossroads of important trade routes facilitated diplomatic and economic interactions with other civilizations, including the Persian Empire, Central Asian states, and even Egypt. The empire's centralized administration and secure trade routes encouraged trade and cultural exchange.
5. Missions and Emissaries:
Emperor Ashoka, known for his policy of Dhamma, sent Buddhist missionaries and envoys to various parts of Asia and even beyond. These missions aimed to spread Buddhism and establish friendly relations with neighboring states.
6. Relations with Southeast Asia:
While direct evidence is limited, archaeological findings suggest that the Mauryan Empire might have had some interactions with regions in Southeast Asia. Cultural influences from India can be observed in Southeast Asian art and architecture
9. Decline of Mauryas
The decline of the Mauryan Empire marked the end of one of the most significant empires in ancient India. Several factors contributed to the empire's eventual downfall:
1. Succession Issues:
After Ashoka's death, the empire faced a series of weak rulers. The succession of rulers was often marred by power struggles and assassinations. Weak leadership led to internal conflicts and divisions within the empire.
2. Economic Factors:
The extensive territorial expansion of the Mauryan Empire required significant resources for administration, defense, and infrastructure. The costs associated with maintaining such a large empire, coupled with the decline in revenue due to mismanagement and corruption, strained the economy.
3. Administrative and Governance Challenges:
As the empire expanded, the administrative machinery became more complex. Maintaining efficient governance across such vast territories proved difficult, leading to administrative inefficiencies, corruption, and local revolts.
4. Military Weakness:
The military strength of the empire declined over time. The constant need for defense against external threats and internal rebellions strained the military resources. This weakness made it difficult to protect the empire's borders and maintain order.
5. Regional Autonomy and Rebellion:
As the central authority weakened, various regions and provinces began to assert more autonomy. Governors and local leaders took advantage of the weakening central authority to establish their own rule, leading to the fragmentation of the empire.
6. Invasions:
Invasions from foreign groups further weakened the empire. The Greek-Bactrian rulers from Central Asia invaded northern India, contributing to the fragmentation of the empire. The Indo-Greek interaction also introduced cultural influences from the West.
7. Decline in Morale and Values:
The Mauryan policy of Dhamma, which emphasized moral and ethical values, gradually lost prominence after Ashoka. The decline in adherence to these values among the ruling class and society as a whole might have contributed to internal unrest and conflicts.
8. Natural Calamities:
There is evidence to suggest that natural calamities, such as floods and famines, affected various parts of the empire. These events could have disrupted agriculture, trade, and daily life, contributing to instability.
9. Fragmentation and Successor States:
By the mid-2nd century BCE, the Mauryan Empire had fragmented into smaller successor states. The Shunga dynasty, founded by Pushyamitra Shunga, emerged as a dominant power in northern India, officially marking the end of the Mauryan Empire.
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Previous year Questions 1. Consider the following Statements about Ashokan rock edicts (NDA 2015) 1.Major Rock Edict XIII records Ashoka's remorse at the sufferings caused by his Kalinga Companion 2.Major Rock Edict X records Ashoka's visit to Lumbini 3.Major Rock Edict XII refer to Dhamma Mahamattas as a new category of Officers instituted by Ashoka 4. Major Rock Edict XII speaks about showing tolerance towards all sects Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1 and 4 B. 2 and 3 C. 3 and 4 D. 1, 3 and 4 Answer (A) 2. In which Rock edict is Ashoka named in person and not by his usual title Devanapriya (Haryana Civil Services 2019) A. Maski B. Taxila C. Mahasthan D. Bahapur Answer (A) 3.Which one of the following statements is correct? (UPSC CSE 2021) (a) Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora river. Answer: (a) 4.Consider the following pairs: (UPSC CSE 2019)
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? (a) 1 and 2 only Answer: (a) |
