Mauryan EmpireMauryan Empire

Key rulers of the Mauryan dynasty and their diplomatic, military, and religious policies.

• Chandragupta Maurya (Sandrokottos): Identified as 'Sandrokottos' by Greek scholar Justin. Founded the empire at a young age with Chanakya's assistance. Later converted to Jainism and abdicated the throne in favor of his son Bindusara, moving to Shravanabelagola to fast unto death (Santhara).
• Bindusara (Amitrochates): Known to Greeks as 'Amitrochates' (Slayer of foes). Patron of the Ajivika sect. Requested Antiochus I of Syria to send sweet wine, dried figs, and a philosopher; the philosopher was denied as per Greek law.
• Ashoka the Great: Initially known as 'Chandasoka' (cruel Ashoka), he transformed into 'Dhammasoka' after the Kalinga war (261 BCE). Promoted Dhamma, appointed Dhamma Mahamatras, and convened the Third Buddhist Council at Pataliputra.
• Later Mauryas & Decline: Following Ashoka's death, the empire split into western and eastern parts. The last ruler Brihadratha was overthrown by Pushyamitra Shunga in 185 BCE, ending the Mauryan line.

Detailed structural framework of the Mauryan centralized bureaucracy and revenue apparatus based on Kautilya's Arthashastra.

• Saptanga Theory of State: Kautilya propounded 7 limbs of the state: Swami (King), Amatya (Minister), Janapada (Territory/Population), Durga (Fort), Kosha (Treasury), Danda (Army), and Mitra (Ally).
• Central Administration & Tirthas: The central administration was run by high-ranking officials called Tirthas or Adhyakshas (Superintendents). There were 18 Tirthas, including Samaharta (revenue collector) and Sannidhata (treasurer).
• Provincial & District Administration: The empire was divided into provinces (Chakras) ruled by princes (Kumaras/Aryaputras). Provinces were subdivided into districts (Aharas/Vishayas), headed by Rajukas and Yuktas.
• Municipal Administration (Megasthenes): Pataliputra administration was managed by a city council of 30 members divided into 6 boards of 5 members each, overseeing industries, foreigners, births/deaths, weights/measures, trade, and tax collection.
• Revenue & Taxation System: Land revenue (Bhaga) was the main source of income, fixed normally at 1/6th of total produce. Other taxes included Pranaya (emergency tax), Pindakara (assessed on villages), and Hiranya (tax paid in cash).

Classification, geographic distribution, and linguistic script analysis of Ashoka's rock and pillar edicts.

• Decipherment of Brahmi Script: James Prinsep successfully deciphered Ashokan Brahmi script in 1837 from inscriptions found on Delhi-Topra and Delhi-Meerut pillars.
• Scripts Used in Inscriptions: Brahmi script was used in major parts of India (written left to right); Kharosthi in North-West (written right to left); Greek and Aramaic scripts in Afghanistan (extreme north-west).
• Major Rock Edicts (14 Edicts): Found at 8 different locations including Shahbazgarhi, Mansehra, Girnar, Dhauli, Jaugada, Kalsi, Yerragudi, and Sopara. Edict XIII mentions the Kalinga War and victory of Dhamma over military conquest.
• Minor Rock Edicts & UP Relevance: Ahraura (Mirzapur district in UP) contains a Minor Rock Edict of Ashoka. Maski, Brahmagiri, Gujarra, and Nettoor explicitly mention the personal name 'Ashoka' alongside his title Devanampiya.
• Pillar Edicts: Found at 6 places: Topra (Haryana), Meerut (UP), Lauriya-Nandangarh, Lauriya-Araraj, Rampurva (Bihar), and Allahabad-Kosambi (later shifted to Allahabad fort by Akbar).

Social stratification, role of women, pottery traditions (Northern Black Polished Ware), and monumental stone architecture.

• Social Structure (Megasthenes): Megasthenes noted 7 castes in India instead of the traditional 4 varnas: Philosophers, Farmers, Herders, Artisans, Soldiers, Inspectors (Secret service), and Councillors/Assessors.
• Position of Women: Women enjoyed economic independence and could own property (Stridhana). Arthashastra mentions female bodyguards protecting the king, courtesans (Ganika), and women working as spies.
• Mauryan Pottery (NBPW): Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) was the hallmark luxury pottery of the Mauryan period, characterized by a glossy, mirror-like black surface finish.
• Monolithic Pillars & Stupas: Chunar sandstone was used to carve monolithic pillars with mirror-like polish and animal capitals (Lion capital of Sarnath). Sanchi Stupa in MP was originally commissioned in brick by Ashoka and later enlarged.
• Cave Architecture (Barabar Caves): Rock-cut cave architecture for the Ajivika sect was initiated by Ashoka (Lohita Cave, Sudama Cave) and his grandson Dasharatha (Nagarjuni Caves) in the Barabar hills near Gaya.