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THE MAURYAS

Mauryan dynasty 1st empire of entire Indian history political upheavel Keywords:
Beginning of a new era
1st empire
outgrowth of national
One hand upsurge which is against
foreign oppression
Beginning of new era

Foreign oppression

Nanda Tyranny

Other culmination of popular


movements to overthrow
hand native Nanda tyranny

Upsurge sudden large increase; culmination climax; tyranny cruel rule; upheavel lift up

Important period for various reasons:

Establishment of one of
biggest empires

uniform and highly


developed administration

Abundant source material


for writing the history

Puranas - Chanakya hero of great drama of Nanda extermination seem to interpret the event
as revival of SANTHANA DHARMA which had suffered under the Nandas
SANTHANA DHARMA alternative native term for Hinduism
Nandas were overthrown by the valour of Chandragupta Maurya as to the astute diplomacy of
Chanakya
Chanakya Chandragupta alliance >> indicate the closing rivalry between the priest and the
prince & re-establishment of their joint monopoly in political power

Keywords:

Biggest empires

Administration

Source material

Chanakya

Chandragupta Maurya

Chanakya-CM alliance

1. Inscriptions
Sources for the period: 2. Arthasastra
3. Magasthanes and Indica

Inscriptions: ART AND ARCHIECTURE


Important and very reliable source of the history of the period
Scattered almost India
Language Prakrit
Script Brahmi >> derived from Indus script
Issued edicts 12 yrs after his coronation 269-12 = 257 BC
Popular languages of masses pali (spoken by people) and sanskrit (language of literature)
Inscriptions 3 classes
Keywords:

Reliable Source

Prakrit

Rock edicts Brahmi

Pillar edicts Coronation

Popular languages
Cave inscriptions
3 classes RPC

Rock edicts >> 2 groups 14 rock edicts and Minor rock edicts
14 rock edicts explain Ashokas principles of govt and ethical system 257 BC
Minor rock edicts 257 BC
Pillar edicts >> 2 groups minor pillar edicts and pillar inscriptions > 249 243 BC
4 cave inscriptions > 257 -250 BC
Keywords:

Most useful source


Arthasastra: LITERATURE
One of the most useful sources of Mauryan history Kautilya
Attributed to Kautilya Prime Minister of Chandragupta Maurya
Arthasastra
Date and authorship controversy
Work on politics state envisaged by kautilya was totalitarian Controversy
15 books and 150 chapters
Form of sutra and bhashya Politics
Deals with machinery of government, civil and criminal law, interstate law of
Sutra & Bhashya
diplomacy and war
Machinery of Govt

Magasthanes and Indica: LITERATURE


Most valuable account of India in 3rd century BC
Magasthanes Greek ambassador of Seleucus to the court of Chandragupta Maurya
Stayed at the capital of Mauryas Pataliputra
Travelled throughout the country
Recorded what he saw, felt and heard in India in INDICA
Preserved in the form of fragments
He describes Pataliputra as the longest city in India states that it was situated in the land of
presii
Most interesting relating to contemporary Indian society
Gives beautiful description of the Royal palace, the palace gardens, the king and the Royal
ceremonies
Historical value of indica >> seriously doubted by modern scholars
Magasthenese, in his book states that there were 7 castes in India.
He got confused between professional and caste groups.
He also states that there was no slavery which in reality existed.
Megasthanese also states that there was a committee of 30 members looking after the
administration of Pataliputra

Keywords:

Seleucus

Pataliputra

Indica

Longest city presii

Indian society

Beautiful description

Historical value

7 castes

No slavery

1. Rise of Magadha
Political conditions of India in 6th century BC: 2. Bimbisara
3. Ajatashatru
4. Nanda dynasty
Key lines:
1st emergence of kingdoms in N. India
Emergence of 16 mahajanapadas
Janapada territory, mahajanapada kingdom >> monarchial and republican
Centuries before the beginning of territorial kingdom political organization > tribal in nature
Tribal conflicts uncertain political conditions
1st time concept of territorial identity >> effective control in the form of developed
administrative system
Introduction of superior technology in the form of iron weaponry, warrior class imp role
New iron agricultural implements more production by peasants
Surplus collected by military and administrative authority >> meet growing needs of expenditure
To overcome the problems created by changed political system where in certain groups began
to dominate over the other boundaries of these kingdoms and numerous towns grown during
6th century BC
16 mahajanapadas situated in the north of Vindyas
Monarchial govt more fertile region
Republican govt less fertile and hilly areas
Political history of this period continuous struggle for supremacy between states

Kingdoms in N.India

16 Mahajanapadas

Political organization

Tribal conflicts

Territorial identity

Superior technology

New iron implements

Military & administrative authority

Changed political system

Monarchial

Republican

Political history

Rise of Magadha:
State of confusion and conflict magadha got the supremacy in 6th century BC
Under the series of very able rulers steadily extended its control to get the supreme power
Became the seat of an empire which embraced the greater part of India

Confusion &
conflict

Supreme power

Seat of empire
Bimbisara:
Magadha centre of political activity
Contemporary of Buddha
Under his leadership policy of conquests and increase of power started
Expansionist policy dominated the political history of Magadha
Bimbisara began by acquiring the kingdom of Magadha, which he placed under his son
Ajatasathru
Dynastic relations based on marriage way strengthened his position >> matrimonial alliance
1st capital of Magadha @ Rajgir Magadha

Buddha

Policy of
conquests

Expansionist
policy

Ajathasatru

Matrimonial
alliance

Rajgir

Ajatasathru:
Son of Bimbisara became ambitious, killed his father >> ascended the throne
Acc. to buddhist tradition Bimbisara ruled for 52 yrs
Ajatasathru occupied kosala , vrijjis and mallas
Faced another rival i.e ruler of Avanthi died in 461 BC
Laid the foundation to become an empire by expanding the frontiers of Magadha
Later Sisunaga dynsaty ruled for half a century was succeeded by Nanda dynasty
Nandas most powerful rulers of Magadha
Killed his father

52 yrs

Occupied

Ruler of Avanthi

Expanding frontiers

Sisunaga dynasty

Nandas

Nanda dynasty:
Historians differ in views
Acc. to Puranas mahapadma nanda > son of sudra women founder
Adopted title of Ekarat > destoyed kshatriyas in great number
Great conqueror, powerful monarch, ruled 23 yrs 8 sons >> Navanandas
Not popular rulers because of their origin
Chandragupta Maurya defeated nandas due to hatred and worthless subjects of their origin
Last ruler Dhananada killed by Chandragupta Maurya > established Mauryan empire

Historians

Puranas

Ekarat

Navanandas

Not popular

Chandragupta maurya

Dhanananda

1. Political effect Consolidation of


2. Economic effect Magadha empire
3. Cultural effect
Alexanders Invasion 327 BC: Nanda
Alexander of Macedonia invaded NW
Political condition
India during the time of consolidation of
Magadha empire in central and eastern India. Independent
Did not advance against Nanda because of their large army and enormous riches monarchies
During his invasion political condition of India was not stable
Imp rulers

Porus

Weather
Existence of many independent monarchies and tribal republics
Two imp rulers
1. Ambhi prince of Taxila submitted without a battle
2. Porus kingdom b/n jhelum and chenab >> resisted Alexanders advance but was
defeated and captured
Much impressed by bravery and courage of porus restored his kingdom and made him his ally
Weather in India did not favour Alexander >> forced to retreat died at Babylonia

1. Political effect
2. Economic effect
Results of the Alexander Invasion:
3. Cultural effect
Historians divergent opinions Historians
Scholars like a storm which came and passed away without
Scholars
leaving permanent effect on India
Indian culture and Civilization unchanged Unchanged

Invasion of Alexander proved to be futile Futile

Political effect:
1) Paved the way for the establishment of Mauryan empire 1st political empire of India
2) Greek rule was set up on bordering provinces of western Punjab and Sindh
3) Besides proving political unity of the country, Chandragupta maurya saved it from foreign
invaders 1st national monarch of India invasion of Alexander proed helpful in bringing unity
to the entire country
4) Provided a solid source material to establish the history of the country chronologically Greek
historians described every detail date wise writings helped in establishing the history of India
5) Indians learnt various methods of warfare realized the significance of discipline and organized
their army during their encounter with Greeks
Mauryan empire

Greek rule

Political unity

Solid source

Methods of warfare
Economic effects: 4 new routes
1) Alexanders invasion not only demolished the wall of separation between east and west, but
also opened 4 new routes b/n Europe and India- many traders and religious missionaries Trade and
travelled abroad though these routes and trade and commerce flourished commerce
2) Indians learnt the art of making beautiful coins. Indian coins were not shaped properly. The
Coins
Greek coins inspired the Indians to reshape their coins in an artistic way

Cultural effect:
1) With the establishment of Greek kingdom in western Asia, both Greeks and Indians came into
contact with each other. Learned men and Scholars visited each other country and it affected
the cultural outlook
2) It is stated that Kanihska, the Kushan ruler invited several Greco-Bactrian sculptors to gandhara
for making figures of Lord buddha and bodhisattvas - mingled the Greek and Indian Art gave
birth to new style of sculpture >> Gandhara school of art
3) Indian astrology and astronomy influenced by hellenic system , Greeks learnt science, art,
philosophy, mathematics and medicine from India

Greek kingdom in
W.Asia

Cultural Outlook

Kanishka

Gandhara School of
Art

Indian astrology &


astronomy

Chandragupta Maurya: 1. Conquest of Punjab


1st historical emperor of 2. Conquest of Magdha
India 3. Battle with Seleucus
Defeated Dhanananda & 4. Other conquests
Laid foundation of the
Mauryan empire in 314 BC
Early life controversy no info from Puranas and Mudrarakshasa > decribed as Sudra
Buddhist works mahavamsa and Divyavadana > kshatriya caste
Maurya name from his mother Maurya or from Moria > name of a tribe inhabiting the region
of Pippalivana
His ability influenced the Nanda king king appointed Chandragupta as commander-in-chief of
the army of Magadha
CM- very popular among the people of Magadha
Seeing his popularity Dhanananda made a plan to murder CM > not successful
CM left Magadha and fled away
Wanted to destroy Nanda dynasty moved here and there and gathered small army
He met Brahmin called Chanakya or Kautilya who was insulted by Nanda rulers
Organized a large army destroyed Nanda kingdom >> founded the mauryan empire
Chandragupta Maurya embraced Jainism during his last days, abdicated the throne, went to
Sharavanabelagola and gave up his life in the Jain Sallekhana way

1st historical emperor

Dhanananda

Early life

Buddhist works

Maurya name

Commander in chief

Popular

Murder

Left Magadha

Destroy Nanda

Kautilya

Large army

Jainism

Conquest of Punjab:
At that time Alexander was in India conquering NW states Alexander
Empire was established in India by force
His rule was not accepted by Indians for a long time Empire
Faced many troubles and difficulties Rule
After death in 323 BC CM instigated the people to revolt against the Greeks
Troubles

CM

Favourable
circustances

End of
Greek rule
Death of Alexander

Weak position of Northern states

Hatred for foreign rule

Active guidance of Chanakya


Above all are favourable circumstances which helped CM to conquer Punjab
End of Greek rule in NW part of India

Conquest of Magadha: Punjab victory


Victory of Punjab opened way for the victory of Magadha
Large army
Organized a large army in order to face the powerful army of Dhananda badly defeated
and killed Occupied
Occupied Magadha and laid foundation in N.India Magadha

Battle with Seleucus:


After the death of Alexander Seleucus became the Greek emperor
Death of
Great battle fought between CM and Seleucus in 305 BC
Alexander
Seleucus was defeated treaty was made b/n CM and Seleucus
1. Seleucus surrendered a large army in return for 500 elephants Great battle
2. Resulted in a matrimonial alliance between the two
3. Greek ambassador Magasthanes was later sent to the Treaty
court of Chandragupta Maurya
Consequence
Imp treaty from the historical point of view
As a consequence of this alliance, the empire of CM was extended Cultural relations
Cultural relations developed b/n these two countries

Other Conquests: South India


When CM became the ruler of N.India he made up his mind to conquer S.India
Except Kalinga and Kashmir whole of India was under his control Kalinga &
Kashmir

His death:
Acc. to Jain literature , CM accepted Jainism in the last days of his life Jain literature
Abandoned the kingdom infavour of his son Bindusara and went to South
Died in 298 BC ruled for 24 yrs Bindusara

24 yrs
Estimate of Chandragupta Achievements:
1st national king of India
United several states into one national unit and laid the foundation of Maurya dynasty
Great warrior
Fearlessness and courage influenced Chanakya greatly
Great conqueror
1st to establish the political unity of the country
As a conqueror he may be compared with Akbar and Napolean Bonaparte
Great lover of Beauty, Nature and Splendor
Patronized art and literature
Arthasastra of Kautilya and kalpasutra wriiten in this period
Diff branches of art,architecture,painting etc. developed
Took care for the welfare of the people
Lover of justice
Organized judicial system in such a way that the common people could the benefit of plain and
impartial justice
Severe punishments were given
Spy system - imp role
Man of diplomatic character
Great statesman
Ranked as greatest rulers of india
Achievements laid the foundations for the development and progress of the succeeding
generations

Bindusara and his death:


After the death of CM, Bindusara ascended the throne of Magadha
Magadha
Regarding the conquests known as AMITRAGHATA destroyer of the foes
CM left behind a vast empire maintained properly by his son Bindusara Amitraghata
During the reign of Bindusara, the people of Taxila were dissatisfied and revolted
It was well dealt by prince Ashoka Vast empire
Like an able diplomat, Bindusara maintained friendly relationship Taxila
with Greece and other countries abroad
Followed successfully the foreign policy of his father Ashoka
Acc. to Puranas ruled for 25 yrs
Friendly relation
Died in 273 BC
Succeeded by his worthy son Ashoka Foreign policy
Bindusara joined the Ajivika sect.
Puranas
He maintained friendly relations with Anticolus-I the king of China
Bindusara spread his empire upto the Deccan region till Mysore Died

Ashoka

Ajivika sect

Anticolus-I

Deccan region
Ashoka (273 232 BC): 1. Early life
Son of Bindusara 2. Accession of Ashoka
Successor to the throne of Mauryan empire 3. The Kalinga war
One of the greatest kings in world history 4. Consequences of the
About a century ago no source to know about Ashoka conquest of kalinga
Scholars deciphered the edicts of Ashoka 5. Extent of the empire
wealth of info about the activities of the great king 6. Estimate of Ashoka

Subhadrangi
Early life:
Acc. to one tradition Ashokas mother was Subhadrangi > Brahmin Dhamma
Another tradition ashokas mother was Dhamma > chief queen of Bindusara
Taranath
Taranath Ashoka was born after the period of mourning following the death of king
(Bindusara), hence named Ashoka, meaning the end of grief Name mention
Ashoka name is mentioned only in the Maski and Gujarat edicts Devanampriya
Other edicts referred himself as Devanampriya (Dear to the Gods)
or as Priya darshana (of amiable appearance or good looking) Priyadarshana

His reign marked a new epoch in political and cultural history of India New epoch
Gave a new life to Indians a tone that persists still today
New life
Bindusara made fine arrangements for the education of all his sons,
yet Ashoka was ahead in sports and academics due to his extraordinary intelligence Sports & Academics
and disposition
Governor of Taxila &
Bindusara appointed him as govenor of Taxila and Ujjain Ujjain

Accession of Ashoka:
Controversy
Controversy accession and coronation of Ashoka
Celebrated in 269 BC Celebrated
Gap of 4 yrs (273 269 BC) b/n Ashoka and Bindusara >> war of accession among
the brothers and Ashoka might have killed some of his brothers before he was Gap of 4 yrs
successful for the throne
The Kalinga war 261 BC:
Kalinga situated b/n the rivers Mahanadi and Godavari and on the coast of Bay of Bengal Kalinga

Independent and powerful kingdoms during Ashokas rule Ashokas rule


CM did not pay attention to conquer Kalinga
Chnadragupta Maurya
Ashoka did not change the imperialistic policy during the early days of his reign
Rulers of kalinga increased their military power > Ashoka was afraid of the growing Imperilastic policy

power of these states which were situated on the borders of kingdom of Magadha Military power
In order to check the growing power of kalinga, Ashoka waged a war in 261 BC
Horrible war
Horrible war between the armies of two kingdoms
Slaughter and bloodshed was caused on large scale Blood shed

People of kalinga fought bravely in order to make their liberty safe, but Ashoka People of kalinga
conquered Kalinga
13th rock edict
13th rock edict of Ashoka throws much light on the battle of Kalinga

Consequences of the conquest of Kalinga:


> The colossal destruction in the Kalinga war filled Ashokas mind with sorrow and brought about a
change regarded as the most significant event of the reign of Ashoka became very sad to see the
horrible scenes of the war

1. The war of Kalinga changed the heart and mind of Ashoka. His heart was filled with bitter
repentance to see the slaughter and bloodshed caused in the Kalinga war
2. The conquest of kalinga brought about a significant change in the imperialistic policy of Ashoka.
Before the war, Ashoka was a staunch follower of the policy adopted by his ancestors regarding
the extension of the empire. As he realized himself to be responsible for the destruction of
human beings in this war, he decided not to make any conquest in future in order to extend his
empire. Thus, as a consequenceof the war of Kalinga, Ashoka made up his mind to conquer the
people not by sword but by following the path Dharma. The place of Digvijaya was taken by
Dharmavijaya
3. In the early days of his life Ashoka worshipped Lord Siva. But as a result of the conquest of
Kalinga, Ashoka began to turn to Buddhism. He took keen interest in the study of Buddhism. He
made necessary arrangements to spread Buddhism throuhout the country and abroad.
Consequently, his empire became progressive in the field of religion and culture.
4. The policy of peace and non-violence adopted by Ashoka after the war of Kalinga had brought
into its train certain adverse effects. He made no use of his army in any sort of warfare. Hence
his soldiers became idle gradually. This lazyness of the army of Ashoka was responsible for the
downfall of the Maurya empire. Thus the religious policy of Ashoka contributed indirectly to the
downfall of the empire.
5. There came about great change in the system of administration of Ashoka after the war of
Kalinga. He devoted his full time to the welfare of the people.
Thus it may be concluded that the conquest of Kalinga war brought a great change in the life of
Ashoka. This event influenced every aspect of life.

Change in heart & mind

Change in imperialistic policy

Changed to Buddhism

Policy of peace and non-


violence

Change in administration

Extent of the empire:


After the conquest of Kalinga, Ashokas empire extended practically the whole of India, with the
exception of the extreme south.
In the North-West, his empire consisted of a considerable portion of Afghanistan and
Baluchistan, Kashmir was also a part of his empire.
In the east, the discovery of Asokan edicts and stupas prove the inclusion of Bengal in his
empire.
In the south, his empire probably extended upto Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu.
Thus the empire of Ashoka was extensive and was bigger than the British empire in India.
The Maurya empire was probably the most extensive empire know to Indian History
Estimate of Ashoka:
Remembered as one of the greatest kings of India
Occupied a prominent place in the history of the world and is known as Ashoka the great
Not only a great conqueror but efficient administrator
Administration principle of public welfare
Uplifted the religious and spiritual status of his subjects
Man of high ideals
Wanted the people of the world must follow the path of truth, love and non-violence
Very able, clever and promising child during his early age
Kalinga war great change in his life
Slaughter and violence touched the heart and mind of Ashoka
Gave up the luxurious life of the royal palace and made up his mind to dedicate his life to the
welfare of human beings
Decide not to conquer any state by war in future
Declared Dharmavijaya instead of Digvijaya great lover of humanity
All creatures of God were equal in his eyes
Equal respect to the people of every caste and religion
Great conqueror bravery and efficiency of commandership proved in kalinga war
Conquest was stable and peaceful
Army of Ashoka preached to the people of India the lesson of truth, love, non-violence, right
duty, right feelings and right behaviour
Great administrator > main aim serve the people and to work for their welfare
No internal revolts during his reign
Appointed Dharma Mahamatras for the upliftment of spiritual and moral status of the people
Prohibited the use of meat and wine in functions and in the royal kitchen
Religious policy based on ideals which contributed towards making him a great ruler of the
world
After kalinga war he took Buddhism and never forced his people to convert into this religion
Main religious ideals preached were to serve parents and teachers, respect the elders, follow
the path of charity, truth, non-violence and love
His high ideals stimulated the development of a feeling of National unity among the people of
the country
Inscriptions written in Pali encouraged one common language throughout his empire
Encouragement given by Ashoka to the development of language, art, literature, religion, justice
etc. brought about the political unity of the country
Progress of art and architecture thousands of stupas and viharas constructed
Attitude was sympathetic, not only to men but also for birds and beasts
Constructed many roads and planted shady trees
Strictly prohibited the slaughter of animals
Dr. Majumdar It is not every age, it is not every nation that can produce a king of the type
and emperor Ashoka still remains without a parallel in the history of the world

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