The Mauryan Empire (321 BCE – 185 BCE) was the first large-scale political entity in Indian history. It was founded by Chandragupta Maurya and reached its peak under Ashoka. This topic is important for UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, and other competitive exams.
1. Sources of the Mauryan Empire
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
| Arthashastra | Written by Kautilya (Chanakya), it describes administration, economy, and espionage. |
| Indica | Written by Megasthenes, a Greek ambassador to Chandragupta’s court, gives details of Pataliputra and Mauryan society. |
| Ashokan Edicts | Inscriptions on pillars and rocks, mainly in Prakrit (some in Greek and Aramaic), provide details on Ashoka’s rule. |
| Buddhist texts | Mahavamsa and Dipavamsa (Sri Lankan chronicles) describe Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism. |
2. Important Rulers of the Mauryan Empire
Chandragupta Maurya (321 BCE – 297 BCE)
- Founded the Mauryan Empire after defeating Dhana Nanda (Nanda Dynasty).
- With the help of Chanakya, he established a strong central administration.
- Defeated Seleucus I Nicator (Greek general of Alexander) and signed a treaty, gaining Afghanistan and Baluchistan.
- Converted to Jainism and died at Shravanabelagola (Karnataka).
Bindusara (297 BCE – 273 BCE)
- Son of Chandragupta Maurya.
- Expanded the empire except for Kalinga and South India.
- Known as Amitraghata (Slayer of Enemies).
Ashoka the Great (273 BCE – 232 BCE)
- Expanded the empire to its greatest extent, covering almost all of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.
- Fought the Kalinga War (261 BCE), leading to a massive loss of life, after which he converted to Buddhism.
- Promoted Dhamma (Moral Code), focusing on non-violence, tolerance, and welfare.
- Sent Buddhist missionaries to Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and West Asia.
- Built stupas, pillars, and rock edicts, spreading Buddhism.
3. Mauryan Administration
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Capital | Pataliputra (Modern Patna, Bihar) |
| Centralized Administration | King was the supreme authority. Assisted by Mantriparishad (Council of Ministers). |
| Provinces | Divided into four provinces – Tosali (East), Ujjain (West), Suvarnagiri (South), and Taxila (North). |
| Officials | Samaharta (Revenue), Mahamatra (Law & Order), Dhamma Mahamatras (Dhamma Officials). |
| Army | Large standing army with infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots. Managed by a separate War Office. |
| Spy System | Espionage was highly developed under Chanakya’s guidance. |
4. Economy under the Mauryas
| Sector | Details |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | State-controlled land revenue system. Farmers paid taxes (Bhaga – 1/6th of produce). |
| Trade | Trade with Greece, Rome, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. |
| Currency | Punch-marked silver and copper coins. |
| Roads & Infrastructure | Royal Highway from Pataliputra to Taxila. Roads built for trade and communication. |
5. Ashoka’s Dhamma
After the Kalinga War, Ashoka introduced Dhamma (Moral Law) to create a welfare-based administration.
Main Principles of Dhamma
- Non-violence (Ahimsa) – Avoiding war and animal sacrifice.
- Religious Tolerance – Respect for all religions.
- Social Welfare – Construction of hospitals, rest houses, and roads.
- Justice and Morality – Encouraging honesty, kindness, and respect.
Ashokan Edicts
Ashoka’s Rock and Pillar Edicts spread his Dhamma policies across India and beyond.
- Major Rock Edicts – Located in Kandahar (Afghanistan), Girnar (Gujarat), and Dhauli (Odisha).
- Pillar Edicts – Found in Delhi, Sarnath, and Vaishali.
- Language – Mostly in Prakrit and Brahmi script; some in Greek and Aramaic.
6. Decline of the Mauryan Empire
The Mauryan Empire declined after Ashoka’s death (232 BCE) due to:
- Weak Successors – Later Mauryan kings were ineffective rulers.
- Financial Crisis – Large army and welfare schemes drained resources.
- Regional Revolts – Provinces like Kalinga, Andhra, and Punjab revolted.
- Invasion by Greeks – Indo-Greeks took over northwestern India.
- Last Ruler – Brihadratha Maurya was killed by his general Pushyamitra Shunga (Founder of Shunga Dynasty).
7. Significance of the Mauryan Empire
- First large-scale empire in India with a strong centralized administration.
- Established diplomatic relations with foreign countries (Greece, Sri Lanka, West Asia).
- Developed economy, trade, and infrastructure (roads, hospitals, irrigation).
- Ashoka’s Dhamma policy influenced future rulers and spread Buddhism worldwide.
8. Sample Questions for Competitive Exams
Prelims-Based Questions (MCQs)
- Who was the founder of the Mauryan Empire?
- (a) Ashoka
- (b) Bindusara
- (c) Chandragupta Maurya
- (d) Pushyamitra Shunga
- Answer: (c) Chandragupta Maurya
- Which foreign ambassador visited the court of Chandragupta Maurya?
- (a) Hiuen Tsang
- (b) I-tsing
- (c) Megasthenes
- (d) Fa-Hien
- Answer: (c) Megasthenes
- What was the immediate result of the Kalinga War?
- (a) Mauryan Expansion
- (b) Decline of Mauryas
- (c) Ashoka’s Conversion to Buddhism
- (d) Establishment of the Shunga Dynasty
- Answer: (c) Ashoka’s Conversion to Buddhism
- What was the capital of the Mauryan Empire?
- (a) Taxila
- (b) Ujjain
- (c) Pataliputra
- (d) Suvarnagiri
- Answer: (c) Pataliputra
- Which Mauryan ruler was known as Amitraghata (Slayer of Enemies)?
- (a) Ashoka
- (b) Bindusara
- (c) Chandragupta Maurya
- (d) Brihadratha
- Answer: (b) Bindusara
Mains-Based Questions (Descriptive)
- Discuss the significance of Ashoka’s Dhamma policy and its impact on Indian society.
- Explain the administrative system of the Mauryan Empire.
- Analyze the causes of the decline of the Mauryan Empire.
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