Mauryan Empire

Chandragupta Maurya (r. c. 322–298 BCE) founded the empire by overthrowing the Nandas with help from Chanakya (Kautilya/Vishnugupta). He defeated Seleucus Nicator (~305 BCE), gaining territory and a marriage alliance; Megasthenes (Greek envoy) wrote 'Indica' at his court. He embraced Jainism and is said to have died at Shravanabelagola via Sallekhana. Bindusara (r. 298–273 BCE, 'Amitraghata') maintained ties with the Greeks; Deimachus was the envoy. Ashoka (r. 268–232 BCE) — the Kalinga War (261 BCE) transformed him to Buddhism. Mnemonic 'C-B-A' (Chandragupta-Bindusara-Ashoka). The empire's capital was Pataliputra. Kautilya's Arthashastra details statecraft, economy, and administration.

Ashoka's inscriptions were deciphered by James Prinsep (1837). Most are in Brahmi script and Prakrit language; northwestern ones use Kharosthi (Shahbazgarhi, Mansehra), and a few use Greek/Aramaic (Kandahar). The Kalinga War is described in the 13th Major Rock Edict (but it is OMITTED from the Kalinga edicts there). Edicts mention Ashoka by titles 'Devanampiya' (Beloved of the Gods) and 'Piyadasi'; only Maski, Gujarra, and Nettur/Udegolam edicts give his personal name 'Ashoka'. Dhamma = a moral code: tolerance, non-violence, respect for elders, welfare. Dhamma Mahamatras were appointed to propagate it. The Lion Capital at Sarnath is India's national emblem.

Highly centralized bureaucracy. Provinces (4 major: Taxila/north, Ujjain/west, Suvarnagiri/south, Tosali/east; capital Pataliputra centrally administered) headed by Kumaras (princes). Megasthenes' Indica describes a city committee of 6 boards of 5 members each (30 officials) for Pataliputra, and divides society into 7 classes. Key officials: Mahamatras, Amatyas, Yuktas, Rajukas (revenue/justice), Pradeshikas. Espionage system was extensive (spies = 'gudhapurushas'). Revenue mainly from land ('Bhaga', ~1/6). Economy: state controlled mines, agriculture, trade. The Sohgaura and Mahasthan inscriptions deal with famine relief. The empire declined after Ashoka; the last ruler Brihadratha was killed by Pushyamitra Shunga (185 BCE).

Cover the answer, recall, then check. 12 cards on the must-know facts for UPSC Prelims.

Q1. Who founded the Mauryan Empire, when, and with whose help?
A1. Chandragupta Maurya in 322/321 BCE, aided by Chanakya (Kautilya/Vishnugupta), overthrowing the Nanda dynasty of Magadha.

Q2. What treaty did Chandragupta make with Seleucus Nicator?
A2. c. 305–303 BCE: Chandragupta gained territories (Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, Baluchistan) for 500 war elephants; Megasthenes was sent as Seleucid envoy.

Q3. Who was Megasthenes and what did he write?
A3. Greek ambassador at Chandragupta's court; wrote "Indica" describing Mauryan society and Pataliputra (he called it Palibothra).

Q4. What is the Arthashastra and who wrote it?
A4. A treatise on statecraft, economy and war by Kautilya (Chanakya) — a key source for Mauryan administration.

Q5. Give the date and significance of the Kalinga War.
A5. 261 BCE; the bloodshed led Ashoka to embrace Buddhism and the policy of Dhamma. Described in Rock Edict XIII.

Q6. In which scripts and languages are Ashoka's edicts written?
A6. Mostly Brahmi script in Prakrit; also Kharoshthi (northwest), and Greek & Aramaic (Kandahar/Shar-i-Kuna bilingual edict).

Q7. Who first deciphered the Brahmi script of Ashoka's edicts?
A7. James Prinsep in 1837.

Q8. What is "Dhamma" in Ashoka's edicts?
A8. A moral code of conduct — tolerance, non-violence, respect for elders, welfare — NOT the Buddhist religion itself. Spread via Dhamma Mahamatras.

Q9. Which Mauryan pillar capital is India's national emblem, and where is it from?
A9. The Lion Capital (four lions) from the Sarnath pillar; the Ashoka Chakra (Dharmachakra) on it is on the national flag.

Q10. Who was the last Mauryan ruler and who overthrew him?
A10. Brihadratha, assassinated in 185 BCE by his commander Pushyamitra Shunga, founding the Shunga dynasty.

Q11. Name the four Mauryan provincial capitals besides Pataliputra.
A11. Taxila (NW), Ujjain (W), Tosali (E, Kalinga), Suvarnagiri (S). Pataliputra was the imperial capital.

Q12. What did Ashoka title himself in his edicts?
A12. "Devanampiya Piyadasi" (Beloved of the Gods, of amiable/gracious look). His name "Ashoka" appears in the Maski and Gujarra minor rock edicts.

Worked Example

Problem/Question: Consider the following statements about Ashoka's inscriptions:

1. Ashokan edicts were the first to be deciphered, by James Prinsep in 1837.
2. Most of the edicts are in the Brahmi script and Prakrit language.
3. The Kandahar bilingual inscription is in Greek and Aramaic.
   Which of the statements given above are correct?
   (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution/Model answer:

• Statement 1: James Prinsep deciphered the Brahmi script of Ashokan edicts in 1837, the breakthrough that identified "Devanampiya Piyadasi" as Ashoka. Correct.
• Statement 2: The overwhelming majority of edicts are inscribed in Brahmi script and Prakrit language (with Kharoshthi used in the north-west and Greek/Aramaic in the far west). Correct.
• Statement 3: The Kandahar edict (Afghanistan) is a genuine bilingual Greek-Aramaic inscription. Correct.
  Every statement is factually sound; no single option except (d) retains all three, so options dropping any one are eliminated.

Answer/Takeaway: (d) 1, 2 and 3.