Unit 1: The Maurya Empire

1. Introduction

The Maurya Empire (c. 322 BCE – 185 BCE) was the first and largest pan-Indian empire, a vast centralized state that controlled almost the entire subcontinent. Its foundation by Chandragupta Maurya and the reign of Ashoka represent a pivotal moment in Indian history.

2. Sources: Kautilya's Arthasashtra, Indica of Megasthenes

Our understanding of the Mauryas is uniquely rich due to two key texts, supplemented by Ashokan edicts and later Puranas.

i) Kautilya's Arthasashtra

• Author: Kautilya (also known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta), the prime minister of Chandragupta Maurya.
• Content: It is not a history book. It is a prescriptive treatise on statecraft, politics, economics, and military strategy. It describes how a strong, centralized state *should* be run.
• Key Insights:
  • Saptanga Theory: Describes the seven elements (limbs) of a state: *Svamin* (King), *Amatya* (Ministers), *Janapada* (Territory/People), *Durga* (Fort), *Kosa* (Treasury), *Danda* (Army/Force), and *Mitra* (Ally).
  • Administration: Details a highly bureaucratic state with numerous *Adhyakshas* (Superintendents) for different departments (e.g., commerce, agriculture, mining).
  • Espionage: Emphasizes a vast and efficient spy system (*Gudhapurushas*) as the "eyes and ears" of the king.

ii) Indica of Megasthenes

• Author: Megasthenes, a Greek ambassador sent by To the court of Chandragupta Maurya in Pataliputra.
• Content: The original *Indica* is lost. We only have fragments and quotations from later Greek and Roman writers like Strabo, Arrian, and Diodorus.
• Key Insights (An Outsider's View):
  • City of Pataliputra: Described it as a massive, fortified city on the banks of the Ganga and Son rivers.
  • City Administration: Famously describes the administration of Pataliputra as being run by six committees of five members each, managing: 1) Industry, 2) Foreigners, 3) Births and Deaths, 4) Trade, 5) Manufactured Goods, and 6) Tax Collection.
  • Social Division: Mistakenly described Indian society as having seven classes (e.g., philosophers, farmers, soldiers, herdsmen, artisans, magistrates, councillors). This was a flawed observation, likely confusing caste, occupation, and administrative roles.
  • No Slavery: He noted the absence of slavery in India, which was likely an error, as different forms of servitude (*Dasa*) did exist.

3. Chandragupta Maurya: Conquests & Achievements

(Reign c. 322 BCE – 298 BCE)

• Founder: He was the founder of the Maurya Empire. Of humble origins, he was trained by Kautilya at Taxila.
• Overthrow of the Nandas: His first major achievement was to defeat the last Nanda ruler, Dhana Nanda, and capture the throne of Magadha.
• Liberation of the Northwest: He took advantage of the power vacuum left by Alexander's departure and conquered the Greek satrapies in the Indus valley.
• War with Seleucus Nicator (c. 305 BCE): He fought a successful war against Seleucus, Alexander's general who controlled the eastern part of his empire. In the resulting treaty, Chandragupta gained a vast territory (modern-day Afghanistan and Balochistan) and married Seleucus's daughter. In return, he gifted 500 war elephants.
• Conquests: He unified North India and also expanded into the Deccan, creating the first pan-Indian empire.
• Jain Tradition: According to Jain tradition, in his last days, he abdicated the throne, became a Jain monk, and traveled to Sravanabelagola (in Karnataka), where he performed *Sallekhana* (fasting unto death).

4. Ashoka's Dhamma

(Reign c. 268 BCE – 232 BCE)

Ashoka's concept of Dhamma was the most unique feature of his reign, which he formulated after the bloody Kalinga War (c. 261 BCE).

What is Dhamma? It is not a new religion. It is a moral and ethical code of conduct based on social responsibility, aimed at creating a harmonious and peaceful society in a vast, diverse empire.

Key Principles of Dhamma (from his Edicts):

• Ahimsa: Non-violence to all living beings (including a ban on animal sacrifice).
• Respect (Seva): Respect for elders, teachers, parents, and ascetics (Brahmins and Sramanas).
• Proper Conduct: Humane treatment of servants and slaves (*Dasas*).
• Religious Tolerance: He actively preached respect for all religious sects.
• Rejection of Rituals: He dismissed many common ceremonies and rituals as "petty and worthless."
• Dhamma-Yatra: He replaced the king's traditional pleasure/hunting tours (*Vihara-yatra*) with "Dhamma tours" to spread his message.
• New Officials: He created a new class of officials called the Dhamma Mahamattas to spread and enforce Dhamma.

5. Mauryan Administration

The Mauryan state was a highly centralized bureaucratic monarchy.

6. The Decline of the Mauryan Empire

The mighty empire collapsed within 50 years of Ashoka's death (c. 185 BCE). There was no single cause, but a combination of factors.

Key Theories for Decline:

• Weak Successors: Ashoka's sons and grandsons were weak and unable to control the vast, complex empire.
• Brahminical Reaction (H.P. Shastri's Theory): Ashoka's policies (banning sacrifice, promoting Ahimsa) and his perceived favoritism towards Buddhism angered the Brahmins. This is supported by the fact that the last Mauryan king, Brihadratha, was assassinated by his Brahmin general, Pushyamitra Shunga.
• Economic Strain: The massive cost of maintaining a standing army and a huge bureaucracy, plus Ashoka's grants to monasteries, may have bankrupted the treasury.
• Oppressive Provincial Rule: Ashoka's own edicts mention that he worried about the misrule of "wicked" officials in provinces like Taxila, leading to popular revolts.
• Vastness and Communication: The sheer size of the empire made it difficult to control from the center in an age of slow communication.
• External Invasions: The weakening of the empire's northwestern frontier allowed the Bactrian Greeks to begin their invasions.