● The empire ran from the Kuru country in the north to the Godavari

Valley in the south and from Magadha in the east to Narmada in the
west.
● He conquered many kingdoms including Kalinga.

Dhana Nanda (He was a corrupt, cruel yet powerful king & his army included 2 lakh
soldiers, 60,000 cavalry and 6,000 war elephants.)
● He was the last Nanda ruler.
● In Greek texts,they
he isare known
known as Agronomies.
as 'Agrammes' or 'Xandrames'.
● Alexander
Alexander invaded
invaded North-Western Indiaduring
North-Western India duringthehis reign
reign;ofbut he could
Dhana Nanda; but he
could
not not proceed
proceed towards
towards the Gangetic
the Gangetic plainsplains
becausebecause
of his of his army’s
army’s refusal.
refusal.
● Finally,
Finally he was overthrown
Dhana by Chandragupta
Nanda was overthrown Maurya along
by Chandragupta with along with
Maurya
Chanakya, which led
Chanakya, which led to
to the
the foundations
foundationsofofthe
theMauryan
MauryanEmpire
EmpireininMagadha.
Magadha.

Mauryan Empire (321–185 BCE)

Origin of Mauryan dynasty-

● The last of the Nanda rulers, Dhanananda was highly
unpopular because of his oppressive rule.
● Dhananand was greedy and used to amassing treasure, so
he collected high taxes from his own people.
● Also, after Alexander's invasion of northwestern India, that
region faced much disturbance from foreign powers.
● Chandragupta Maurya ended the Nanda dynasty with the
help of Chanakya and established the Maurya dynasty.
● Pataliputra was the capital here.
● Greek writers called Pataliputra as 'Palibrotha'.

Rulers of the Maurya Empire

Chandragupta Maurya (322 - 298 BCE)

• 'Mudrarakshasa' by Vishakhadutta- It contains details about how C.G. Maurya overturned Nanda Dynasty
& established Maurya Dynasty with the help of Chanakya or Kautilya or Vishnugupta.
• 'Arthashastra' by Kautilya- It explains details of defense, politics, economy, statecraft & policies of the
then Mauryan empire.
• Chanakya or Kautilya was the prime minister of C.G.Maurya. He was initially a professor of economics
and political science at the ancient Takshashila University.
● He was the founder of the Maurya dynasty. He is considered
the first historical emperor of India.
ruler of unified India. (In Indica)
● According to Buddhist texts he was a Kshatriya. According to
the Greek description, Chandragupta Maurya belonged to a
simple family.
● It is generally accepted that he was an orphan boy born in a
common family who was trained by Kautilya. & 'Androkotus'
● Chandragupta is mentioned as 'Sandrokotus' in Greek
writings. William Johns was the first to identify Chandragupta
Maurya as Sendokots.
● His reign lasted from 321 BC to
321/322 BC297 BC.
to 297/298 BC.
● Chandragupta Maurya accepted Jainism at the last moment
and ended his life with the Sallekhana method in
Shravanabelagola, Karnataka. • His religious guru was Bhadrabahu.
● In this method one has to leave the body by being hungry.

Major conquests of Chandragupta Maurya

● While expanding his empire towards the North-west.,
Seleucus Nicator
● Chandragupta cameA general of Alexander
across Seleucus whoaruled
Nicator, general of Alexander
who ruled North-West India, who at that time was trying to expand his
North-West India.
empire towards the east.
● Chandragupta
• Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador came across
of Seleucus Seleucus
Nicator Nicator
in the court who at that
of Chandragupta Maurya.
• Megasthenes' Indica shows us the rich yet diverse culture, economical, philosophical & administrative life
time was trying to expand his empire towards the east.
of the Mauryan empire as well as the ancient India.
● In the war between Chandragupta Maurya and Seleucus
Nicator, Seleucus was defeated in 305 BCE. The two rulers
reconciled with a peace treaty.
● He married Helena, daughter of Seleucus Nicator And
received Herat, Kandahar, Makran and Kabul in dowry and in
return Chandragupta gifted 500 elephants to Seleucus.
● Chandragupta further led a policy of expansion and brought
almost the whole of India under one control except for a few
places like Kalinga and the extreme regions of the south.
• By the end of his reign the Maurya empire stretched from the Hindu Kush in
the north-west to Bengal in the east & from the Himalayas in the north to the
Narmada in the south.
 • Helena was the daughter of Seleucus Nicator, the Greek commander-in-Chief of
Alexander's army. She was married to Indian king Chandragupta Maurya to strengthen
the ties between Mauryan and Greek empires.

• C.G. Maurya also married Durdhara & their son was Bindusara.

Works of Chandragupta Maurya

● Chandragupta Maurya ordered the construction of
Sudarshan Lake.
● Sudarshan Lake is situated in the middle of a hill called Girnar
in Saurashtra., Gujarat.
● Then this lake was built by Pushyagupta Vaishya, the
governor of Chandragupta,
C.G. Maurya, who was in charge of Saurashtra.
● The Junagadh inscription of Rudradaman describes the
construction of an irrigation dam by Pushyagupta, the
governor of Chandragupta Maurya in Saurashtra (Gujarat).

Bindusara (297 - 273 BC)

● Bindusara was the son and successor of Chandragupta
Maurya, who ruled from 297 BCE to 273 BCE.
● In Greek sources itheisisalso
alsocalled
called'Amitraghat' (destroyer
'Amitrachates' (destroyerofof
enemies) or 'Amitrachets'.
'Amitraghata' (In Sanskrit).
● Bindusara has been called 'Bhadrasara' in Vayu Purana and
'Singhsen' in Jain texts.
● According to some scholars, Bindusara has conquered the
Deccan up to Mysore.
● Bindusara conquered 16 kingdoms, including the 'land
between the two seas', as confirmed by the Tibetan monk
Taranatha.
● During his reign, there was a rebellion in Taxila by the
Amatyas there, to suppress which Ashoka and Sushim were
sent by Bindusara to Taxila.
● Dymachus was the Greek ambassador coming to his court,
who was sent by Antiochus I, the ruler of Syria.
● Ptolemy II, the ruler of Egypt, sent an ambassador named
Dionysius to the court of Bindusara.
● He appointed his son Ashoka as the governor of Ujjain.
● He was a follower of the Ajivika sect.
● The Ajivika sect was an ancient religious and philosophical
movement in India that existed during the same time as early
Buddhism and Jainism, around the 5th century BCE.
● The term "Ajivika" is derived from the Sanskrit word "ajiva,"
which means livelihood or way of life.
● The founder of the Ajivika sect is believed to be Makkhali
Gosala, who was a contemporary of Siddhartha Gautama,
the historical Buddha.
Emperor Ashoka (273 BC - 232 BC)
● He was the son of Mauryan Emperor Bindusara and
Subhadrangi.
● He was born in 304 BC.
● His other names were Devanampriya (Sanskrit
Devanampriya Piyadasi, meaning Beloved of the Gods).
● In Kanganahalli,
In Kanganahalli, situated
situated onbanks
on the the banks of Bhima
of Bhima River in river in district of
Gulbarga
Gulbarga
Karnataka, adistrict
pictureof of Karnataka,
Emperor Ashokaa picture
with hisofqueen
Emperor Ashoka
is engraved on a
stone, below which in an inscription 'Ranyo Ashoka' is written. The inscription
with his queen
is in Brahmi scriptisand
engraved
translateson
to the
'Kingstone, below which 'Ranyo
Ashoka'.
Ashoka' is written.
● Ashoka's personal name is found in the writings of Maski,(Karnataka),
Gurjara (Madhya
and Nettur.
Pradesh) & Nettur (Kerala).
● Ashoka ascended the throne around 268 BCEBCE
268/269 after
after
successfully defeating his brothers.
● Ashoka was the governor of Ujjain before becoming the ruler.

Increased Power
● In the war of succession that followed Bindusara's death in
272 BCE, Ashoka emerged victorious with the help of his
father's ministers.
● When he became king, he was said to be wicked, merciless
and very cruel.
● He also built a torture chamber to put his prisoners to death.
● Once he became the king, he started expanding his empire
by making conquests.

Kalinga War

In the
● In the seventh/eighth
eighth year of year
his reign
of his(261 BC),
reign heBC),
(261 fought
he a war with
fought a war with
Kalinga (in present-day Odisha) and captured Tosali, the
capital of Kalinga.
Raja Anantha Padmanabha was the ruler of Kalinga during the Kalinga War.
 ● Information about the Kalinga war is found in the 13th
inscription of Ashoka.
● The exact reasons for the war are not entirely clear, but it is
generally believed to have been initiated by Ashoka's
expansionist ambitions.
● After this war, Ashoka abandoned the policy of war forever
and followed the policy of Dhamma.

Conversion to Buddhism
● The Kalinga war fought in 261 BCE was personally led by
Ashoka.
● The horrors of war disturbed him so much that he decided to
abstain from violence for the rest of his life and turned to
Buddhism.
Ashoka embraced
● Ashoka embracedBuddhism
Buddhism under
under thethe influence
influence of the
of the Buddhist
Buddhist
monk monk Upagupta.
Upagupta. According to 'Ashokavadana', he was the
spiritual teacher of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka.
● Moggaliputtatis, a Buddhist monk, was his teacher.
● Ashoka also conducted the Third Buddhist Council at
Pataliputra in 250 BCE, under the chairmanship of
Moggaliputtatis.

Ashoka's Dhamma Policy

● Ashoka presented a code of rules for the moral upliftment of
the people of his empire, which is called 'Dhamma' in his
inscription.
● Ashoka's definition of religion is taken from 'Rahulovada
Sutta'.
● He sent his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra to Sri
Lanka to propagate Buddhism.
Inscriptions of Ashoka

• He built 84,000 monuments in the form of edicts, monasteries, stupas, inscriptions, caves etc.
Inscriptions of Ashoka (Total 33 inscription have been found majorly across Pakistan,
Nepal, and India.)
• Total 33 inscription have been found majorly across India, Pakistan and Nepal.
● Ashoka's inscriptions can be divided into 3 Sections-
Inscriptions,
Rock
• Ashoka's inscriptions can Pillar Pillar
inscriptions,
be divided inscriptions and
into 3inscriptions
sections- Cave
and
Rock inscriptions.
Cave inscriptions.
inscriptions, Pillar inscriptions and
Cave inscriptions.
● These records were mainly installed along the highways.
• These records Almost
● were all installed
mainly the Inscriptions
along the are written in Prakrit language and
highways.

Brahmi script
• Almost all the Inscriptions (Thisinscript
are written Prakritwas written
language andfrom Leftscript
Brahmi to Right).
(this script was
written from Left to Right).
● Kharosthi (This script was written from right to left) and
Aramaic
• Kharosthi (this script script from
was written haveright
been used
to left) andinAramaic
the records of the
script have been used in the
records of the north-west, the main examples of which are Shahbazgarhi and Mansehra
north-west, the main examples of which are Shahbazgarhi
(Pakistan) records.
and Mansehra records. (in Pakistan)
• The Sar-e-Kuna inscription of Kandahar (Afghanistan) is bilingual,(in Afghanistan)
in which Aramaic and
● The Sar-e-Kuna
Greek languages have been used. inscription of Kandahar is bilingual, in which
Aramaic and Greek languages have been used.
• First of all, an archaeologist named Tiefenthaler discovered an Ashokan inscription
Firstinscription)
(Delhi-Meerut● Pillar
First of all,
of all, an
an archaeologist
archaeologist
and named
in 1837, James
named Tiefenthaler
Prinsep was the first
Tiefenthaler discovered
to decipher
discovered anthe
Ashokan
Ashokan inscriptions (Brahmi scripts).
the script of
inscription Ashoka andPillar
(Delhi-Meerut in 1837 AD, James
inscription- Prinsep
in 1750) and in 1837,
James Prinsep was the first to decipher the Ashokan inscriptions.
succeeded
• Alexander Cunningham in reading
published a set ofthe Brahmi
Ashokan script. in the year 1877.
inscriptions
(major)
● 14
• 14 large (major) large
rock rock
edicts edicts of
of Ashoka haveAshoka haveatbeen
been found Kalsi found at Kalsi,Shahbazgarhi
(Uttarakhand), (Uttarakhand),
and Mansehra (Pakistan), Girnar Mansehra,
Shahbazgarhi, (Gujarat) & Dhauli
Girnar(Odisha).
and Dhauli.
(Gujarat) & Dhauli (Odisha).
(minor)
Ashoka's
● (minor)
• Ashoka's short rockshort
edictsedicts give information
give information about his about
personalhis personal life.
life.
● Yeragudi
• Yeragudi (Andhra located
Pradesh), in Andhra
Brahmagiri, Pradesh,
Gavimath, Brahmagiri,
Siddhapur Siddhapur
and MaskiSiddapura
(Karnataka)
and
and Gurjara and Maski(MP)
Rupnath located in Karnataka
are some and rock
important minor Gurjara and
edicts Rupnath
of Ashoka.

located
• There are 7 major in Madhya
pillar edicts Pradesh
of Ashoka, amongare theDelhi-Topra
some
which major minor
important edicts
minor
pillar of pillar
edicts
is the only of
inscription on which all the seven pillar edicts of Emperor Ashoka are engraved, making a
Ashoka.
summary of the accomplishments of Ashoka during his life.
● Ashoka's short pillar inscriptions have his royal declarations
• Ashoka's short pillar inscriptions have his royal declarations written on them.
written on them, these have been received from Sanchi, (MP),
Sarnath, Kaushambi and
(UP) Nigalisagar.
& Nigalisagar (Nepal).

He built 84,000 monuments in the form of edicts, monasteries, stupas, inscriptions, caves etc.

There are 7 major pillar edicts of Ashoka, among which Delhi-Topra pillar is the only pillar inscription on which
the seven pillar edicts of Emperor Ashoka is engraved, making a summary of the accomplishments of Ashoka
during his life.
Pillar edicts of Ashoka
Prayag Pillar Inscription:
• Initially, this pillar inscription was located in Kaushambi, UP.
• During the reign of Emperor Akbar, Jahangir got it established in the fort of Allahabad.

Rummindei
Delhi-Meerut Pillar Inscription: inscription (Lumbini Pillar Edict- in Nepal)
• Initially, this pillar inscription was located in Meerut, UP.
• Later it was brought ● to This
Delhiisduring
the the
shortest inscription
reign of Firoz of Ashoka.
Shah Tughlaq.
• This is the first Ashokan pillar inscription discovered by Tiefenthaler in 1750 AD.
● The subject of almost all the inscriptions of Ashoka is
Delhi-Topra Pillar Inscription:
administrative
• Initially, this pillar inscription was located in while its subject
Topra village of Ambala was
district economic.
of Haryana.
• It was brought to Delhi during the reign of Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
● Itinscription
• This is the only pillar gives information about
on which all the seven pillar Mauryan economy
edicts of Emperor Ashoka areand tax
engraved. policy.
~ NigaliPillar
Sarnath Sagar Pillar inscription- It is located in the Terai of Nepal.
Inscription:
• It is located in the Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh.
Bhabru Pillar
Sanchi Pillar inscription:
Thisdistrict
• It is located in the●Raisen pillar of is located
Madhya in
Pradesh. Rajasthan.
● In this Ashoka has described himself
Kaushambi Inscription: as the emperor of
• It is also known as Allahabad pillar edict or Prayag Prasasti.
Magadha.
• In this pillar, Ashoka's queen Karuvaki and son Tivar have been described.
• It is also called 'Queen's inscription'.
● This inscription proves Ashoka to be a follower of Buddhism.
• Current location- Prayagraj, Allahabad, UP

● In this Ashoka has expressed faith in Buddhism, Dhamma

Rummindei Inscription:
• It is also known as Lumbini Pillar Edict.
and Sangha.
• It is located in Nepal.
• This is the shortest inscription of Ashoka.
• The subject of almost all the inscriptions of Ashoka is administrative while its subject was economics.
• It gives information about Mauryan economy and tax policy.
Kaushambi
Nigali Sagar Pillar Inscription: inscription (also known as Allahabad pillar edict or Prayag Prasasti)
• It is located in Nepal.
● In this column, women, Mahamatra, Ashoka's queen Karuvaki
Bhabru Pillar Inscription:
and
• This pillar is located in daughter
son
Rajasthan. Tivar have been described.
• In this, Ashoka has described himself as 'the emperor of Magadha'.
● It Ashoka
• This inscription proves is alsoto called 'Queen's
be a follower inscription'.
of Buddhism.
• In this, Ashoka has expressed faith in Triratna i.e. Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.
* Current location- Prayagraj, Allahabad, UP
14 Edicts
14 of Ashoka
major Rock Edictsand their contents
of Ashoka and their contents
Inscription 1 Prohibits animal sacrifice

Inscription 2 Refers to measures of social welfare like medical treatment

Inscription 3 State officers are ordered to visit every fifth year.

Inscription 4 Announcement of Dhamma Ghosh in place of

Bherighosh

Prayag Pillar Inscription:

~ Initially, this pillar inscription was located in Kaushambi.
~ During the reign of Emperor Akbar, Jahangir got it established in the fort of Allahabad.
Sarnath Pillar Inscription:
~ It is located in the Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh.
Delhi-Meerut Pillar Inscription: Sanchi Pillar inscription:
~ Initially, this pillar inscription was located in Meerut. ~ It is located in the Raisen district
~ Later it was brought to Delhi during the reign of Firoz Shah Tughlaq. of Madhya Pradesh.
~ This pillar inscription was first discovered by Tiefenthaler in 1750 AD.

Inscription 5 Appointment and Duties of Dhamma

Mahamatras

Inscription 6 Order to Dhamma Mahamatras

Inscription 7 The need for tolerance among all religious sects

Inscription 8 Description of Dhamma-Yatra

Inscription 9 Renunciation of meaningless ceremonies and

rituals

Inscription 10 Use of 'Dhamma' in place of 'War' for victory

Inscription 11 Expound the doctrine of Dhamma like respect to elders

Inscription 12 Discussion of women's greatness, women

appeal welfare,
for
tolerance
appeal for from all religious
tolerance from all sects.
religious sects

(Largest) Inscription 13 description of kalinga war

Inscription 14 To inspire people to lead a righteous life.

Delhi-Topra Pillar Inscription:
~ Initially,
• The this pillar inscription
Junagadh was located
inscription in Topra villagein
of Rudradaman of Gujarat
Ambala district of Haryana.
contains all 14 major rock edicts of Ashoka.
~ It was brought to Delhi during the reign of Firoz Shah Tughlaq.

Sources of the Maurya Dynasty

Kautilya's Arthashastra ('Artha' means 'material' or 'wealth')

● It is a book on politics and governance written by Kautilya
(another name for Chanakya).
● It reveals the economic and political conditions of the Maurya
period.
● Kautilya was the prime minister of Chandragupta Maurya, the
founder of the Maurya dynasty.
• This is considered to be the first book on statecraft.
Chanakya
● Chanakya is also called 'Indian Machiavelli'.
● Chanakya is so called because his writings have a political
pragmatism similar to that of Machiavelli.
● He wrote the Arthashastra, a treatise on statecraft,
economics and military strategy.& public administration.
● It has 15 books and 180 chapters.
● The main topic is divided into:
➔ King, Council of Ministers and Departments of the
Government
➔ civil and criminal law
➔ war strategy
➔ It also includes information on trade and markets, a method
of examining ministers, spies, duties of the king, morality,
social welfare, agriculture, mining, metallurgy, medicine,
forests, etc.
● Saptanga Theory of Kautilya, "Amatya" denotes Minister and
Officials.
● The Saptanga Theory is an ancient Indian political treatise
that outlines the components of statecraft.
● "Amatya" represents the administrative and ministerial
aspects of governance.
● Ministers and officials played a crucial role in the effective
functioning of the state, as per Kautilya's political philosophy.

Mudra rakshas
● This book was written by Visakhadatta in the Gupta period.
● In this book, Chandragupta has been called 'Vrishal' and
'Culless'.
• The book gives details of how Chandragupta Maurya defeated
the Nandas with the help of Chanakya, besides throwing light
on the socio-economic conditions.
 ● The book gives details of how Chandragupta Maurya
defeated the Nandas with the help of Chanakya, besides
throwing light on the socio-economic conditions.

Indica
● Indica was composed by Megasthenes.
● He was the ambassador of Seleucus Nicator, who lived in the
court of Chandragupta Maurya.
● It depicts the administration in the Mauryan Empire, the
7-caste system (7 classes of Indian society) and the absence
of slavery in India.

Buddhist literature (Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa)

● Dipavamsa is one of the most important works of Pali
Dipavamsa literature.
It details
● It the relic
details with of teeth
the 'Tooth andand
Relic' thethe
arrival of of
arrival the Bodhi
the Bodhitree
treein
• The meaning ofin Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka.
Dipavamsa is 'Chronicle of Island'- a historical text on Sri Lanka (Ceylon).
• Dipavamsa is believed to have been the first Pali text composed entirely in Ceylon as well and
● It text
the first Buddhist alsoregarding
deals with the arrival
Sri Lanka. ofoldest
It is the Buddha's teachings
historical record ofand
Sri Lanka.
preachers
• It contains the details in Sri
regarding theLanka.
arrival of the sacred 'Tooth Relic' of Buddha and the
'Bodhi tree' in●SriMahavamsa
Lanka. means "Great Chronicle".
• It also deals with the arrival of Buddha's teachings and preachers in Sri Lanka.
● It is a historical poem in Pali language which deals with the
kings of Sri Lanka.
Mahavamsa ● Ashoka's high purpose or devotion to God (accepting
Buddhism) and that of Seleucus and Alexander are detailed
• 'Mahavamsa' means 'Great Chronicle'- another important historical text on Sri Lanka.
• King Ashoka had insent
it. his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka to spread
Buddhism. Their names are mentioned in the Buddhist text ‘Mahavamsa’ written in Sri Lanka.
• The 'Bodhi tree' transplanted in Sri Lanka by Sanghamitra is widely mentioned here.
Emperors after Ashoka
• The founding of the 'Mahaviharas' by Ashoka and the accounts of the early Buddhist councils
● After
are also included here.Ashoka, only six kings could rule the kingdom for only 52
• Ashoka's high purpose or devotion to God (accepting Buddhism) and that of Seleucus and
years. in it.
Alexander are detailed
• In 2023, the 'Mahavamsa' was listed as an item of documentary heritage on the UNESCO’s
Memory of the World International Register.
 Emperors after Ashoka

• After Ashoka, only six kings could rule the kingdom for only 52
years.
● The last Maurya king, Brihadratha, was overthrown by his own
general, Pushyamitra.
● During Brihadratha's reign, there was an internal rebellion led
by his army chief Pushyamitra Sunga in about 185 or 186 BCE,
when the king was called by Pushyamitra to inspect the
army.
● While Brihadratha was inspecting the assembly of the army,
Pushyamitra killed Brihadratha in front of his army and
established himself as the king.
● This ended the rule of the Mauryas on Magadha and then the
rule of the Sunga dynasty started.

Maurya Administration
● It was highly centralized.
● The king was the supreme power and the source of all
authority.
● He was assisted by the Council of Ministers.The ministers
were called 'Mantri'.
● This Council was presided over by a 'Council of
Ministers-Chairman' similar to the Prime Minister of today.

Local Administration
● The smallest unit of administration was the 'gram'.
● The headman of a village: gramika, he was assisted in the
administration of the village by "village elders".
● Most of the disputes in the village were settled by the
Gramika with the help of the Gram Sabha.
● There was a lot of autonomy in the villages.
● Territorials were provincial governors or district magistrates.
 ● In the inscriptions of Ashoka, there is a description of an
(present-day District Magistrate)
officer named 'Rajjuk', whom we can compare with the
present District Magistrate, who had authority in both the
revenue and justice fields at that time.
● The district official was called 'Agronomoi'.

Judicial system
● During the Maurya period, there were mainly two types of
courts - Dharmasthiya and Kantak Shodhana.
● Dharmasthya was a 'Civil' court and Kantakshodhan was a
'Criminal' court.
● The judge of the Dharamsthi court was called 'Prayavahar'
and the judge of the Kantak Shodhan court was called
'Pradeshta'.
● The cases of theft, dacoity and robbery were called 'Sahas'.
● Cases related to bad language, defamation and assault were
called 'Dand Parush'.

• At theOfficer
Principal Village level: Cases were settled by the ‘Gramavardha’.

• At the District level: Subordinate courts were under ‘Amatyas.’

Prashasta Recorder of royal Sitadhyaksha Chairman of
• In Towns:decrees
Cases were settled by ‘Nagara Vyavaharika agriculture
Mahamatta’.
department
• The Supreme Court was located in the capital, and the Chief Justice
was called
Dauvarik ‘Dharmathikarin.’of
Superintendent Loha Head of
palaces Adhyaksh metallurgical
department

Atvik Principal Forest Sansthaadhy

Sansthaadhyaksh Head of trade
Officer aksh routes.
Espionage Systemof royal
Prashasta Recorder Sitadhyaksha Chairman of
decrees agriculture
department
A. The espionage system of the Mauryas was well-developed.

B. There were spies who informed the emperor about the

Karmantik Chief inspector of Navadhyaaks The Superintendent
bureaucracy and markets.
industries h
Navadhyaaksh of Ships controlled
traffic and transit
C. There were two types of spies: Sansthana (stationary) and
Sanchari (wanderer).
through
D. 'Gudhapurushas' were the detectives or secret agents. waterways.

Samahart Head
E. There were also of revenue
agents Suradhyaksh
called 'Vishakanyas' (poisonousHead
girls).of Excise
Samaharta department or Tax Suradhyaksha
a a
F. 'Jail' was called 'Bandhangara' and 'lock-up' was knownDepartment
as 'Charaka'.
assessment

Sannidhaa State treasurer Pauta Superintendent of

ta
Sannidhaata adhyaksh
Pauthavadhyaksha weights and

measures

Social System
● According
According totoMegasthenes'
Megasthenes,'Indica',
the Mauryan society
the Mauryan was divided
society was
into 7 castes.
divided into 7 castes & there was no concept of slavery in India.
Slavery
● But wastold
Kautilya prevalent at this time. Kautilya
in his 'Arthashastra' toldwas
that slavery in his
prevalent
at that time & slaves
Arthashastra were were
that slaves mainlyused
usedininagricultural
agricultural work.
work.
● The condition of women was very good during the Maurya
period. At this time there was a provision for remarriage.
& remained unmarried
● In this period the women who always stayed at home were
called 'Anishkasini'.

Economic system
● Agriculture, animal husbandry and commerce and trade
were the mainstays of the Mauryan economy.
Agriculture
● An officer named ‘Sitadhyaksha’ used to manage the state
land.
● Sita was the income from the king's own land.(Crown land).
● The main source of income was land tax (1/4th to 1/6th) and
tax levied on trade etc.
● In the Maurya period, 'Adevmatrik' was such a land, in which
cultivation was done without rain.
(or water tax)
● During this period an irrigation tax called 'Udakbhag' was also
collected.
● An instrument called 'Aratni' was used to measure rainfall.

Revenue
● Revenue was collected on land, irrigation, shops, customs,
forests, ghats, mines and pastures.
● Brahmins, children and the disabled were exempted from
taxes.
● 'Bhag' and 'Bali' were the main sources of revenue in ancient
India.
● According to Arthashastra, the king was the owner of the land
and he was entitled to a part of the grains produced from the
land.
● This kinds
• Two tax was called
of taxes were'Bhag' and ainsimilar
mentioned revenue
the Edicts tax They
of Ashoka. was were
called
'Bali' and'Bali'.
'Bhaga'. 'Bali' was a religious tribute. 'Bhaga' was a mandatory
tax which amounted to 1/6th or 1/4th of the peasants' production.
● The head of the revenue department was called 'Samaharta'.
● Another important
• 'Pindikara' official was
was a tax assessed the 'Sannidhata'
on groups of villages and(state
paid by
the husbandmen.
treasurer).
• 'Hiranya' was a tax paid in cash (gold).

• 'Pranaya' was an emergency tax imposed by the Mauryan Empire to

replenish the treasury when it was depleted.

• The head of the revenue department was called 'Samaharta'.

• Another important official was the 'Sannidhata' (state treasurer).

Coins
● Pana (state currency) and Karshapan and Kakani were silver
and copper coins respectively.
● Apart from these coins, silver coins bearing the imprints of
mountain, peacock and half-moon were also valid coins of
the Maurya period.
● Rupdarshak was a key official in the Maurya administration
who examined the coins.

Trade and industry

● In the Maurya period, both internal and external trade were
prevalent and this trade was done through both water and
land.
● Foreign or external trade was mainly done with Persia, Syria,
Rome and western countries.
•● Tamralipti located in eastern India and Bhrigukachchha port
located in western India were used for this work.
● There were threeof
The construction types of trade-related
merchant ships was a fees
majorcharged
industryby the
of the
Maurya administration-
Maurya period.
➔ Taxes on foreign-local products.
• The group of merchants dealing in grain related products was
➔ Abhyantar
called 'Sarthavah'.– Fee charged for doing business in the
capital.
➔ Aditya - Tax on foreign goods.
● The construction of merchant ships was a major industry of
the Maurya period.
● The group of merchants dealing in grain related products
was called 'Sarthavah'.
Art and Architecture

● In the Mauryan period, the use of stones, the use of iron-ore,

the use of shiny polish and special use of wood in the
construction of houses was done.
EmperorAshoka
● Emperor Ashoka built
built fourfour caves
caves in theinhills
theofhills of Barabar
Barabar (present for
daythe
Bihar)
living
for the of theofAjivikas;
living . thisThese
the Ajivikas. cave caves
is Lomas Rishi Cave.
are known to be the oldest
surviving rock-cut caves in India. Lomas Rishi cave, Sudama cave,
● Lomas Rishi Cave,
Vishva Karma cave &Karna Chopar,cave
Karan Chaupar Sudama are theCave
namesand Vishwa
of these caves.
Jhopri were the names of these caves.
● Stupas were built in the Maurya Empire.
● The most famous stupas are the Stupa of Bharhut and Sanchi
(given the status of World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1989). It
is currently located in Sanchi city near Bhopal in Madhya
Pradesh. It was built by Ashoka.
● Sanchi Stupa was discovered in 1818 by British General Henry
Taylor.
● Thethe
• By figure
order of
of four lions
emperor built on
Ashoka, histhe top ofTushasp
governor the Sarnath pillar
had rebuilt
remains. Lake and strengthened it, as known from Junagarh Rock
Sudarshan
inscription of Rudradaman I.
● This is a fine example of sculpture made during the Ashoka
period,
• The which is
top (crown) of also our national
the Ashoka symbol
pillar found at present.
at Sarnath is known as the
● 'Lion
This Capital'.
pillar ofThis is a sculpture
Sarnath of four Asiatic
is a memorial of thelions standing
incident of back-to-back
on a drum-shaped abacus. It was originally placed on top of the Ashokan
Dharmachakra
pillar at Sarnath in Pravartan,
about 250 BCEit was built
by the by Ashoka.
Mauryan emperor Ashoka.
● He also built the Dhamekh Stupa near Sarnath Varanasi.
• India became a republic on 26 January 1950 and on this day the top of the
Ashokan Pillar, 'Lion Capital', was adopted as the National Emblem of India.

• The pillar of Sarnath is believed to be the site of Buddha's first sermon and
his famous 'Four Noble Truths' (a memorial of the incident of
'Dharmachakra Pravartan), it was built by Ashoka.

• The wheel 'Ashoka Chakra' from the base of the 'Lion Capital' was placed
onto the center of the Indian flag.

• He also built the Dhamekh Stupa near Sarnath, Varanasi.

Mauryan Administration

• Administrative system during Mauryan Dynasty was highly centralized.

• The king was the supreme power and the source of all authority.
Maurya Administration
• He was assisted by a Council of Ministers. It was called ‘Mantriparishad’.
● It was highly centralized.
• This Council was presided over by a ‘Mantriparishad-Adhyakshya’ similar to the Prime Minister of today.
● The king was the supreme power and the source of all authority.
• Kautilya propounded● He the was
‘Saptanga
was assistedTheory’
assisted byofthe
by the State
a Council
Council (Seven limbs of the nation).ministers
ofofMinisters.
Ministers.The According to
It was called this, there
were are seven
called
‘Mantriparishad’.
parts of the state- Swami (the king), Amatya (ministers), Janapada (the territory & its people), Durga (a fortified capital),
The
ministers
Kosha (the treasury),'Mantri'. were
Danda (justice called
& force ‘Mantris.’
or army), and Mitra (ally).
● This Council was presided over by a ‘mantriparishad-adhyakshya’
'Council of Ministers-Chairman'
• 'Danda Samata' and 'Vyavahara Samata' are principles of equality related to the administration of justice and the
maintenance of law andsimilar
order,to the Prime
irrespective Minister
of caste of today.
and creed. Emperor Ashoka introduced these two laws.
*• The
Kautilya ● Kautilya
propounded
officers of Mauryan empire propounded
the ‘Saptanga Theory’ the
were mainly divided ‘Saptanga
ofinto
the State (Seven
three groups- Theory’
limbs
Amatyas, ofof
the
thestate.
Tirthas
nation).According
According to
& Adhyakshas.
to this, there
are seven parts of the state - Swami (the king), Amatya (ministers), Janapada (the territory & its people), Durga
this, there are sevenDanda parts(justice
of the &state - or
King, Amatya, Janpada, fort,
•(a fortifiedThey
Amatyas- capital),
were Kosha
ministers(the treasury),
& councilors who were appointed toforce
maintainarmy), and Mitra
administration (ally).
of the empire. Their primary
treasury,
function was to look after armyand
the Judiciary and friends. jobs.
Administrative
● The
According to this
officers theory, Kautilya
of Mauryan empiredivided the state
were mainly into major
divided into organs
three groups-
• During the Maurya period, the highest-ranking officials were called 'Tirthas'. Their total number was 18. They can be
considered as deputyAmatyas,
along with Tirthas
ministers. the body. & Adhyakshas.
● During the Maurya rule period, the highest officials were called
• Apart from these Tirthas, 26 ‘Adhyaksha’ are also discussed. These were also high-ranking officers who had an important
department (head of 'Tirtha', their
a dept). They weretotal number
ranked was 18. They can be considered as deputy ministers.
next to 'Tirthas'.
● Apart from these, 26 ‘Adhyaksha’ are also discussed. These were also
high-ranking officers who had an important department.(head of a dept).
They were ranked next to Tirthas.
Principal
Principal 'Tirthas'
‘Tirtha’
Purohit PrimeReligious
Chief Minister and Chief
Officer Religious
or Chief Officer
Priest

Prashasta Recorder of royal decrees

Dauvarik Superintendent of palaces
Atvik Principal Forest Officer
Karmantik Chief inspector of industries
Samaharta Head of revenue department or Tax assessment

Sannidhaata State treasurer

Pradeshta
Prayavahar judge of
Judge of criminal
civil courtcourt
or 'Dharmashthya'

Pradeshta
Dandpal Judge of criminal
commander court of
in charge or military
'Kantakshodhan'
supplies
Antarvashik- Head of the emperor's bodyguards
Dandpal- Commander in charge of military supplies
Senapati- Commander-in-Chief
Durgapala- Governor of fort
Ritvik- Officiating Priest
Principal ‘Adhyakshas’
• Sulkaadhyaksha: Superintendent of tolls & tax • Sansthadhyasksha: Superintendent of mint

• Padadhyaksha: Superintendent of infantry • Asvadhyaksha: Superintendent of cavalry

Purohit Prime Minister and Chief Religious Officer
• Rathadhyaksha: Superintendent of war chariots • Hastyadhyaksha: Superintendent of war elephants
Prashasta Recorder of royal decrees
• Devatadhyaksha: Superintendent of Temples • Koshadhyaksha: Superintendent of the Treasury
Antarvashik Head of the emperor's bodyguard
• Sunadhyaksha: Chief Protector of Animals

Principal ‘Adhyaksha’
Sitadhyaksha Chairman of agriculture department (crown land)
Loha Adhyaksh Head of metallurgical department (iron & other metals)
Samasthadhyasksha
Sansthaadhyaksh Head of trade routes.
markets, private trade & trade routes

Navadhyaaksh The Superintendent of Ships controlled traffic and transit

through waterways.
Suradhyaksha Head of Excise Department & alcoholic beverages
Pauthavadhyaksha
Pauta adhyaksh Superintendent of weights and measures
Kupyadhyaksha Head of forests
Panyadhyaksha Head of commerce department
Accountant General
Aakshapataladhyaksha
Aakshpatladhyaksh
a
Pattanadhyaksha
Patan Adhyaksha Chairman of Ports & Harbours

Local Administration
● The smallest unit of administration was the 'Gram'.
• The smallest unit of administration was the 'Gram'.
● The headman of a village: gramika, he was assisted in the
administration
• The headman of a village: 'Gramika', he of
wasthe village
assisted byadministration
in the "village elders".
of the village by the 'village elders' or
'Gram Sabha'.
● Most of the disputes in the village were settled by the Gramika with
• 'Pradeshika' or 'Rashtrapala' wasofthe
the help theprovincial
Gramgovernors
Sabha. of district administration.
● There
• Sthanika: Tax collectors wasunder
working a lot'Pradeshikas'.
of autonomy in the villages.
● Territorials were provincial governors or district magistrates.
• In the inscriptions of Ashoka, there is a description of an officer named 'Rajuka', whom we can compare with the present-day
District Magistrates.

• 'Rajukas' were assisted by ‘Yuktas’ or subordinate officials.

Additional Information:
• In 'Mahavamsa', it is said that Ashoka killed his 99 stepbrothers to become the ruler.

• After witnessing the horrors of war Ashoka changed his policy from 'Bherighosa' (conquest by war) to
'Dhammaghosa' (conquest by religion).

• Radhagupta was the chief advisor and prime minister of Ashoka.

• Sushima was the elder brother of Ashoka.

• Vitashoka or Tissa was the only full brother of Ashoka & the only brother left alive by Ashoka.

• Kalinga rejected the 'Mauryan supremacy' & that led to the beginning of the Kalinga war.

• Ashoka was called 'Devanampiya' meaning 'beloved by God' & 'Piyadasi' meaning 'beloved by people'.

• At 261 BC, seven years after the coronation, Ashoka conquered Kalinga.

• Religious officers during the reign of Ashoka- Dhamma Mahamattas

• Ashoka appointed 'Dhamma Mahamattas' to go from place-to-place, teaching people about dhamma as well as to solve
the social problems in his region.

• Karuvaki- Only queen of Ashoka & mother of Tivara, known from his own inscriptions- mentioned in Allahabad pillar

• Kunala, son of Ashoka, was known as 'the blind prince'.

• From Indica, i) We came to know about Patliputra & that it was surrounded by 64 timber gates.

ii) Also, it is mentioned that C.G. Maurya used to live a luxurious life but was always available for his people.

iii) His administrative system was centralized & he always kept his officers in tight vigilance.

iv) Caste system was there & hereditary but there was no slavery.

v) In his army, there were elephants, chariots, infantry (foot soldiers), cavalry (mounted troops) & navy.

• Agronomoi- Referred to by Megasthenes as an official who was assigned with duties such as collection of revenue,
supervision of irrigation facilities, judicial administration and construction of roads (rural administration).

• Astyonomoi- officers responsible for city administration (urban administration)

• Arthasashtra- divided in 15 books- each book is called 'Adhikarana' or 'Prakarana'- total 180 chapters containing
6000 slokas.

• Barabar caves (four caves- Lomas Rishi cave, Sudama cave, Vishva Karma cave & Karan Chaupar cave), Barabar
and Nagarjumi hills in Bihar, were constructed by Emperor Ashoka. He donated these caves to Ajivikas- this mentioned in
the inscriptions of the Sudama cave.

• Another inscription on the Nagarjuni hill tells us about the grandson of King Ashoka, Dasaratha Maurya.

• The most famous educational center during Mauryan period was Taxila.

• 'Nyayadheesh' refers to a judge or magistrate who presides over legal matters and ensures that justice is served.

• 'Divyavadana' or 'Divine Narratives' is a Sanskrit anthology of Buddhist 'avadanas' or tales that highlight the lives of
notable Buddhist figures throughout the history. 'Ashokavadana' or 'Ashokarajavadana' ('Narratives of Ashoka') describes
the birth, reign and life of Mauryan king Ashoka.

• Brihadratha was the last emperor of the Mauryan Empire.