The Mauryan Empire (c. 322 – 185 BCE) represents a watershed moment in Indian history as the first pan-Indian empire. It replaced the Nanda Dynasty and established a centralized administrative system that would serve as a blueprint for future Indian states.
Below are exhaustive notes categorized into the essential pillars of Mauryan history: Political History, Administration, Economy, Society, and Art.
A. Chandragupta Maurya (c. 322 – 298 BCE)
Foundation: With the strategic guidance of Chanakya (Kautilya), Chandragupta overthrew Dhana Nanda, the last Nanda ruler.
Expansion: He defeated Seleucus Nicator in 305 BCE, acquiring territories in Afghanistan and Balochistan.
Greek Relations: Megasthenes was sent as an ambassador and wrote Indica.
Renunciation: According to Jain tradition, he embraced Jainism and performed Sallakhana.
B. Bindusara (c. 298 – 273 BCE)
Titles: Amitrochates.
Empire Maintenance: Maintained and expanded empire southwards.
Philosophy: Interested in Ajivika sect.
C. Ashoka (c. 273 – 232 BCE)
Accession: After succession struggle.
Kalinga War: Turning point leading to Dhamma policy.
Dhamma: Moral code emphasizing tolerance and non-violence.
Saptanga Theory: Swami, Amatya, Janapada, Durga, Kosha, Danda, Mitra.
Mantriparishad: Council of ministers.
Spies: Gudhapurushas.
Provinces: Taxila, Ujjain, Tosali, Suvarnagiri.
Rajukas: District officers.
City Administration: 6 boards of 5 members each.
Agriculture: State-controlled land (Sita).
Tax: 1/6th produce.
Trade: Uttarapatha route.
Currency: Pana.
Rock Edicts: Moral teachings.
Pillar Edicts: Found across India.
Languages: Prakrit, Kharosthi, Greek.
Dhamma Mahamattas: Officers for propagation.
Pillars: Polished sandstone.
Lion Capital: National emblem.
Stupas: Sanchi.
Caves: Barabar caves.
Seven occupational groups (Megasthenes).
Dasas mentioned in Arthashastra.
Weak successors.
Financial crisis.
Revolts.
Assassination by Pushyamitra Shunga.