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Mauryan Empire (321 BCE – 185 BCE)

The Mauryan Empire was ruled by the Maurya Dynasty from 321 BCE to 185 BCE.
It was the largest, strongest, and most organized political and military empire in ancient India.
Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire in 322 BCE after overthrowing the Nanda Dynasty.
It was the first Pan-Indian Empire, uniting most parts of the Indian subcontinent under one ruler.
The empire extended across most of India, including parts of Central and Northern India and even some regions of present-day Iran.
After conquering the Indo-Gangetic Plain, Pataliputra (modern Patna) became its capital.
The monarchy reached its highest level of development during the Mauryan period.
The Lion Capital of Ashoka, India's National Emblem, belongs to the Mauryan period.
The Mauryan Empire came to an end in 185 BCE.
The last ruler of the Maurya Dynasty was Brihadratha Maurya.

Provinces of the Mauryan Empire

Province	Region	Capital
Uttarapatha	Northern Province	Taxila
Avantirashtra	Western Province	Ujjain
Prachi	Eastern & Central Province	Pataliputra
Kalinga	Eastern Province	Toshali
Dakshinapatha	Southern Province	Suvarnagiri

Important Mauryan Sites

Topra (Haryana) – Famous for Ashokan inscriptions.
Sanchi (Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh) – Famous for Ashokan Pillar and Stupa.

Chandragupta Maurya (321–297 BCE)

Founder of the Mauryan Empire.
Defeated the last ruler of the Nanda Dynasty at the age of approximately 25 years.
He established the empire with the guidance and support of Kautilya (Chanakya/Vishnugupta).

Chanakya (Kautilya)

Popularly known as the "Indian Machiavelli."
Served as the Prime Minister of Chandragupta Maurya.
Later became the chief advisor of Bindusara.
Played the key role in negotiating the Seleucid–Mauryan Treaty.

Seleucid–Mauryan Treaty

Following the war between Chandragupta Maurya and Seleucus I Nicator, a peace treaty was signed.

Territories gained by Chandragupta

Baluchistan
Eastern Afghanistan
Territories west of the Indus River

In return

Chandragupta presented 500 war elephants to Seleucus.
These elephants helped Seleucus win the Battle of Ipsus.
After the treaty, the Hindu Kush Mountains became the boundary between the two kingdoms.

Objective of the Mauryan Empire

To bring the entire Indian subcontinent under one political authority.
Except for Kalinga and some southern regions, most of India was brought under Mauryan control.

Chandragupta and Jainism

Chandragupta embraced Jainism in the later years of his life.
According to Jain tradition, he observed Sallekhana (fast unto death).
He died at Shravanabelagola (Karnataka).

Bhadrabahu

A famous Jain saint of the 3rd century BCE.
Predicted a severe famine in the kingdom of Magadha.
Migrated from Pataliputra to Shravanabelagola along with nearly 12,000 Jain monks.
Chandragupta Maurya also accompanied him.

Megasthenes

A Greek historian, diplomat, and ambassador.
Sent by Seleucus I Nicator to the court of Chandragupta Maurya.
Authored the famous book Indica.
Often regarded as the Father of Indian History due to his valuable observations.

Description of Pataliputra

According to Megasthenes:

It was a large and beautiful city.
Surrounded by a massive wall.
Protected by a deep moat filled with water.
Had 570 towers.
Had 64 gates.

Seven Classes of Indian Society (According to Megasthenes)

Philosophers
Farmers
Herdsmen
Artisans and Traders
Soldiers
Overseers
Councillors

Bindusara (297–269 BCE)

Known to the Greeks as Amitrochates (Amitraghata).
Son of Chandragupta Maurya.
Mentioned in several Puranas and the Mahavamsa.
Chanakya continued as his Prime Minister.
Extended the Mauryan Empire up to Mysore.
Unified almost the entire Indian Peninsula under Mauryan rule.

Foreign Relations

Maintained friendly diplomatic relations with Greece.
Deimachus served as the Greek ambassador in his court.
Patronized the Ajivika sect.
His spiritual teacher was Pingalavatsa, an Ajivika Brahmin.
Died around 273 BCE.

Ashoka (269–232 BCE)

One of the greatest emperors in Indian history.
Son of Bindusara.
Popularly known as Ashoka the Great.
First Indian ruler to communicate directly with his subjects through rock and pillar inscriptions.
The Kalinga War was the only major war fought after his accession.

Kalinga War (261 BCE)

Fought in the eighth year after Ashoka's coronation.
Considered the most significant event of Ashoka's reign.
Described in Major Rock Edict XIII.

Consequences

About 150,000 people were deported.
Around 100,000 people were killed.
Countless others died due to the aftermath of the war.

The enormous destruction deeply affected Ashoka, and he resolved never to wage another war.

Conversion to Buddhism

After the Kalinga War, Ashoka embraced Buddhism.
Replaced the policy of Bherighosha (war drums) with Dhammaghosha (the message of Dhamma).
Sent his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka to spread Buddhism.
Also sent Buddhist missionaries to South India, Sri Lanka, Burma (Myanmar), and several other countries.
Worked toward strengthening the Mauryan Empire through the ideals of one Dhamma, one language, and one script.

Ashoka's Dhamma Policy, Rock Edicts & Pillar Edicts

Ashoka's Dhamma Policy (धम्म नीति)

After the Kalinga War (261 BCE), Ashoka renounced the policy of war and adopted Dhamma as the guiding principle of his administration.

Features of Ashoka's Dhamma

Respect towards parents, teachers and elders.
Kindness towards servants and slaves.
Compassion for all living beings.
Religious tolerance.
Non-violence (Ahimsa).
Charity and moral conduct.
Truthfulness.
Simplicity in life.
Avoidance of unnecessary ceremonies and rituals.
Welfare of humans as well as animals.

Definition of Dhamma

Ashoka explained Dhamma mainly in his Second Pillar Edict and Seventh Pillar Edict.

According to Ashoka, Dhamma includes:

Not killing living beings.
Respecting parents and elders.
Respecting teachers.
Good behaviour towards servants.
Spending less and saving more.
Compassion and generosity.
Purity of conduct.

Dhammavijaya

In Major Rock Edict XIII, Ashoka declared that "Dhammavijaya" (Victory through Righteousness) is superior to military conquest.
It became the guiding principle of his foreign policy.

Dhamma Mahamatras

Ashoka appointed special officers called Dhamma Mahamatras.

Their functions

Spread Dhamma among the people.
Look after public welfare.
Protect women and weaker sections.
Promote religious harmony.
Supervise charitable works.

Other important officers appointed during Ashoka's reign included:

Yukta
Rajuka
Pradeshika

Ashokan Inscriptions

Ashoka issued inscriptions throughout his empire to communicate directly with his people.

The inscriptions are found in present-day:

India
Nepal
Pakistan
Afghanistan
Bangladesh

They mainly propagated:

Moral values
Buddhist teachings
Administrative instructions
Welfare measures

Types of Ashokan Inscriptions

There are four types:

Major Rock Edicts
Minor Rock Edicts
Major Pillar Edicts
Minor Pillar Edicts

Most inscriptions were written in the Brahmi script.

Discovery and Decipherment

James Prinsep deciphered the Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts in 1837.
This made it possible to read Ashoka's inscriptions.
Alexander Cunningham published a collection of Ashokan inscriptions in 1877.

Allahabad Pillar Inscription

Originally erected by Ashoka.
Later shifted to Allahabad Fort by Mughal Emperor Akbar.

Major Rock Edicts (14)

There are 14 Major Rock Edicts.

Major Rock Edict I

Prohibits animal sacrifice.
Restricts festive slaughter of animals.
During Ashoka's reign only two peacocks and one deer were allowed to be killed in the royal kitchen.

Major Rock Edict II

Describes:

Cholas
Pandyas
Satyaputra
Keralaputra Kingdoms

Also mentions:

Medical facilities for humans.
Medical treatment for animals.

Major Rock Edict III

Issued after 12 years of Ashoka's coronation.

It instructed:

Yuktas
Rajukas
Pradeshikas

to tour the kingdom every five years for spreading Dhamma.

Major Rock Edict IV

Explains that Dhammaghosha is superior to Bherighosha (war drums).
Highlights the social impact of Dhamma.

Major Rock Edict V

Shows Ashoka's concern for:

Slaves
Servants
Public welfare

Important statement:

"Every human is my child."

Also mentions the appointment of Dhamma Mahamatras.

Major Rock Edict VI

Explains:

Ashoka's desire to remain informed about his subjects at all times.
Welfare administration.
Accessibility of the king.

Major Rock Edict VII

Advocates religious tolerance.
Encourages harmony among all religions.

Major Rock Edict VIII

Describes:

Ashoka's first Dhamma Yatra.
Pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya (Bodhi Tree).

Major Rock Edict IX

Condemns meaningless popular ceremonies and rituals.
Encourages moral behaviour instead.

Major Rock Edict X

Condemns the desire for fame and glory.
Emphasizes the popularity of Dhamma rather than personal achievements.

Major Rock Edict XI

Elaborates the concept of Dhamma.
Explains its practical importance in daily life.

Major Rock Edict XII

Appeals for religious tolerance.
Promotes harmony among different religious sects.

Major Rock Edict XIII

One of the most important inscriptions.

Contains:

Details of the Kalinga War.
Ashoka's deep remorse after the war.
Adoption of Dhammavijaya.

Mentions several foreign rulers including:

Antiochus
Ptolemy
Antigonus
Magas
Alexander

Also mentions Indian kingdoms:

Cholas
Pandyas
Kambojas
Nabhakas
Bhojas
Andhras

It is the largest Major Rock Edict.

Major Rock Edict XIV

Describes the engraving of inscriptions in different regions of the empire.
Explains that different inscriptions were prepared according to local needs.

Important Major Rock Edict Site

Jaugada (Odisha)

Contains Major Rock Edicts.
Near the historic site of the Kalinga War.
About 10 km from Bhubaneswar.
Includes Major Rock Edicts I–X and XIV.
Separate Edicts I & II are also found here.

Minor Rock Edicts

Important Minor Rock Edict Sites:

Kandahar (Afghanistan)
Bahapur (Delhi)
Bairat (Rajasthan)
Bhabru (Rajasthan)
Gujarra (Madhya Pradesh)
Rupnath (Madhya Pradesh)
Panguraria (Madhya Pradesh)
Sahasram (Bihar)
Barabar Caves (Bihar)
Brahmagiri (Karnataka)
Maski (Karnataka)
Nittur (Karnataka)
Udegolam (Karnataka)
Gavimath (Karnataka)

Importance of Maski Inscription

The Maski Minor Rock Edict is historically very important because:

It first confirmed that "Devanampiya Piyadasi" was Emperor Ashoka.

Minor Rock Edict III (Bhabru Edict)

Lists important Buddhist scriptures.
Advises Buddhist monks to study them regularly.

Pillar Edicts, Ashokan Pillars, Languages, Literature, Administration, Economy & Society

Pillar Edicts of Ashoka

Ashoka erected numerous stone pillars across his empire to spread the principles of Dhamma and communicate administrative policies.

Main Features

Made from highly polished Chunar sandstone.
Monolithic (carved from a single stone).
Height generally ranges from 12–15 metres.
Weight ranges between 40–50 tonnes.
The top of the pillar is decorated with beautifully carved animal figures.

Major Pillar Edicts

There are 7 Major Pillar Edicts.

Pillar Edict I

Emphasizes moral conduct.
Advises people to follow Dhamma.
Encourages kindness and compassion.

Pillar Edict II

Defines Dhamma as:

Compassion
Charity
Truthfulness
Purity
Respect for parents and teachers

Pillar Edict III

Advises people to avoid:
- Anger
- Pride
- Cruelty
- Jealousy
Encourages self-control.

Pillar Edict IV

Instructs Rajukas (district officers) to administer justice fairly.
Encourages impartial punishment.
Stresses equal justice for all.

Pillar Edict V

Mentions protection of animals.
Lists animals whose killing was prohibited.
Promotes animal welfare.

Pillar Edict VI

Declares that the king is always available for public welfare.
Explains Ashoka's concern for his subjects.

Pillar Edict VII

The longest pillar inscription.

Main themes:

Religious tolerance.
Welfare measures.
Moral duties.
Universal brotherhood.
Summary of Ashoka's Dhamma policy.

Minor Pillar Edicts

Important Minor Pillar Edicts include:

Queen's Edict

Mentions Queen Karuvaki.
Records her charitable donations.

Schism Edict

Issued to prevent division within the Buddhist Sangha.
Warned monks against creating disputes.

Rummindei (Lumbini) Inscription

Records Ashoka's visit to Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha.
Reduced taxes for the people of Lumbini.

Nigali Sagar Inscription

Records the enlargement of the stupa of Buddha Kanakamuni.
Mentions Ashoka's pilgrimage.

Lion Capital of Sarnath

The Lion Capital at Sarnath is India's National Emblem.

Features

Four Asiatic lions standing back-to-back.
Circular abacus decorated with:
- Horse
- Bull
- Elephant
- Lion
Between the animals are 24-spoked Dharma Chakras.

National Symbols

Adopted as the National Emblem on 26 January 1950.
The Ashoka Chakra in the National Flag is taken from the Sarnath Lion Capital.
Motto:
"Satyameva Jayate"
(Truth Alone Triumphs)
Taken from the Mundaka Upanishad.

Languages and Scripts During the Mauryan Period

Ashokan inscriptions were written in different languages and scripts according to the region.

Languages

Prakrit (Most inscriptions)
Greek
Aramaic

Scripts

Brahmi Script

Used in most parts of India.
Written from left to right.

Kharosthi Script

Used in north-western India.
Written from right to left.

Greek Script

Found mainly in Afghanistan.

Aramaic Script

Found in Afghanistan.

Literary Sources of the Mauryan Period

Arthashastra

Author

Kautilya (Chanakya/Vishnugupta)

Importance

Provides detailed information about:

Administration
Economy
Taxation
Military
Espionage
Foreign policy

Indica

Author

Megasthenes

Provides information on:

Society
Administration
Pataliputra
Social classes

Buddhist Sources

Mahavamsa
Dipavamsa
Divyavadana
Ashokavadana

These describe:

Ashoka's life.
Spread of Buddhism.
Mauryan administration.

Jain Sources

Parishishtaparvan
Kalpasutra

Provide information about:

Chandragupta Maurya.
Bhadrabahu.
Jain migration.

Puranas

Contain genealogies of Mauryan rulers and historical traditions.

Administration During the Mauryan Period

The Mauryan administration was highly centralized.

King

Supreme authority.
Head of administration, army, judiciary, and revenue.

Council of Ministers

The king was assisted by:

Mantri (Minister)
Purohita (Chief Priest)
Senapati (Commander)
Yuvaraja (Crown Prince)

Provincial Administration

Governors were usually princes (Kumaras).

Major provinces:

Taxila
Ujjain
Toshali
Suvarnagiri

District Administration

Main Officers

Rajuka
Pradeshika
Yukta

Village Administration

Village Headman:

Gramika

Village elders also assisted in administration.

Revenue System

Main source of income:

Land Revenue

Called Bhaga.
Generally one-sixth (1/6) of agricultural produce.

Other Taxes

Customs duty
Trade tax
Forest tax
Mining tax
Irrigation tax
Ferry tax

Economy

The Mauryan economy was mainly based on agriculture.

Major occupations included:

Farming
Animal husbandry
Trade
Handicrafts
Metal work
Textile production

Trade

Internal and foreign trade flourished.

Trade routes connected India with:

Central Asia
West Asia
Sri Lanka
Southeast Asia

Agriculture

Main crops included:

Rice
Wheat
Barley
Pulses
Sugarcane
Cotton

The government encouraged:

Irrigation.
Construction of reservoirs.
Canal systems.

Sudarshana Lake

Constructed during Chandragupta Maurya's reign.
Built under Governor Pushyagupta.
Later repaired by Ashoka's governor Tushaspha.

Coins

Coins used during the Mauryan period were called:

Punch-Marked Coins

Features:

Made mainly of silver.
Symbols were punched using separate dies.
Widely used in trade.

Society

Mauryan society consisted of different occupational groups.

According to Megasthenes, society was divided into seven classes:

Philosophers
Farmers
Herdsmen
Artisans and Traders
Soldiers
Inspectors
Councillors

Position of Women

Women participated in religious activities.
Women also served as royal bodyguards.
Some women worked as spies according to the Arthashastra.

Slavery

Slavery existed.
However, slaves had certain legal protections under Mauryan law.

Important Facts for Competitive Exams

Founder of Mauryan Empire – Chandragupta Maurya
Author of Arthashastra – Kautilya
Greek Ambassador – Megasthenes
National Emblem – Lion Capital of Sarnath
National Motto – Satyameva Jayate
Main Script – Brahmi
North-Western Script – Kharosthi
Main Revenue – Land Revenue (Bhaga)
Land Tax – One-sixth of produce
Famous Reservoir – Sudarshana Lake
Most Important Source – Arthashastra
Largest Rock Edict – Major Rock Edict XIII
Longest Pillar Edict – Pillar Edict VII
First Indian ruler to issue inscriptions – Ashoka

Administration, Military, Judiciary, Espionage System, Decline of the Mauryan Empire & Important Facts

Mauryan Administration

The Mauryan administration was one of the most centralized and efficient administrative systems in ancient India.

The king was the supreme authority and exercised control over all branches of government.

The Eighteen Tirthas (Major Departments)

According to the Arthashastra, the Mauryan administration consisted of 18 major departments (Tirthas) headed by senior officials called Mahamatras.

Important Tirthas

Mantri (Prime Minister)
Purohita (Chief Priest)
Senapati (Commander-in-Chief)
Yuvaraja (Crown Prince)
Samaharta (Chief Revenue Officer)
Sannidhata (Treasurer)
Dandapala (Chief of Police)
Durgapala (Fort Superintendent)
Antapala (Frontier Officer)
Nagaraka (City Superintendent)
Prashasta (Record Keeper)
Akshapataladhyaksha (Chief Accountant)
Panyadhyaksha (Superintendent of Trade)
Sitadhyaksha (Superintendent of Agriculture)
Akaradhyaksha (Superintendent of Mines)
Navadhyaksha (Superintendent of Shipping)
Sulkadhyaksha (Superintendent of Customs)
Suradhyaksha (Superintendent of Liquor)

Revenue Administration

Samaharta

Chief Revenue Officer.
Collected taxes from the entire empire.
Prepared the annual budget.

Sannidhata

State Treasurer.
Maintained the royal treasury.
Kept records of government income and expenditure.

Municipal Administration

According to Megasthenes, Pataliputra had an advanced municipal administration.

The Municipal Board consisted of 30 members divided into 6 committees, each having 5 members.

Functions of the Committees

Industrial regulation.
Registration of births and deaths.
Trade and commerce.
Collection of taxes.
Public sanitation.
Supervision of markets.

Village Administration

Gramika

Head of the village.
Responsible for law and order.
Assisted in tax collection.

Village elders also participated in local administration.

Judicial Administration

The king was the highest judicial authority.

There were two major types of courts:

Dharmasthiya Court

Civil Court.
Dealt with:
- Property disputes.
- Marriage cases.
- Inheritance.
- Contracts.

Kantakshodhana Court

Criminal Court.
Dealt with:
- Theft.
- Murder.
- Robbery.
- Treason.
- Public security.

Punishments

Punishments were strict.

Common punishments included:

Fine.
Imprisonment.
Corporal punishment.
Death penalty in serious crimes.

Police Administration

The police department maintained:

Law and order.
Crime prevention.
Public safety.

The Dandapala was the chief police officer.

Espionage System

The Mauryan Empire had one of the best intelligence systems in the ancient world.

According to Kautilya:

"A king should know everything happening inside and outside his kingdom."

Types of Spies

Sanstha Spies

Permanent spies.
Stayed at fixed locations.

Sanchara Spies

Mobile spies.
Travelled from place to place collecting information.

Disguises Used by Spies

Spies often disguised themselves as:

Merchants.
Ascetics.
Students.
Householders.
Artists.
Religious monks.

Women were also employed as spies.

Military Administration

The Mauryan Empire possessed one of the largest armies in the ancient world.

According to Greek accounts:

600,000 Infantry
30,000 Cavalry
9,000 War Elephants
8,000 Chariots

Six Military Boards

Megasthenes mentions six military committees responsible for:

Navy
Transport
Infantry
Cavalry
Chariots
Elephants

Each committee consisted of five members.

Economic Administration

Government supervised:

Agriculture.
Trade.
Industries.
Mines.
Forests.
Weights and measures.

State control over economic activities was very strong.