Mauryan Empire 321 B.C.E.- 185 B.C.E.
The Mauryan Empire 321-180 BCE
The Maurya Dynasty With the Magadha state in decline, Chandragupta Maurya seized power from the last ruler of Magadha Chandragupta would expand the remnants of Magadha to the Bay of Bengal and the Hindu Kush Mountains The Maurya Empire was the largest yet seen in India Chandragupta Maurya
Politics Founded by Chandragupta Maurya ( 324 to 301 B.C.) Increased centralized govt control over regional kingdoms large army of 700,000 secret police to watch for treason 301 BCE gave up his throne to & became a Jain monk (extreme Buddhism)
Main Idea 1: The Mauryan Empire unified most of India. Starting around 320 BC Candragupta Maurya founded the Maurya Empire. Candragupta Maurya used an army of mercenaries, or hired soldiers, to seize control of the entire northern part of India. The strongest of all the Mauryan emperors was Candragupta s grandson, Asoka. The Mauryan Empire lasted for about 150 years. In 184 BC the last Mauryan king was killed and India divided into small states again.
CHANDRA GUPTA MAURYA ( 321 BCE TO 297 BCE) BINDUSARA (297 BCE TO 272 BCE) ASOKA PIYADASI (BELOVED OF GODS) (273-BCE TO 232 BCE) BRIHADRATHA (THE LAST MAURYAN KING) (194-187 BCE) THE MAURYAS: CHRONOLOGY
THE MAURYAN EMPIRE 324 BCE Leaders depended upon the support of the army After its collapse, India was plagued by invasions from the Himalayas in the northwest Chandragupta Maurya First ruler to unify much of the Indian subcontinent Had a large army Established large bureaucracy Autocratic ruler CLASSICAL INDIAN POLITICS Architecture in the Barabar Mounts
The Mauryan Empire It is 324 BC. Chandragupta pushed the Macedonian garrissons in Punjab and Sindh out of India. Afterwards he attacked the kingdom of Magadha that controls the Ganges and conquered it. His mighty army, that he used to conquer the Northern half of the subcontinent, was composed of infantry, cavalry, war elephants and chariots
Chandragupta: 321 BCE- 298 BCE Unified northern India. Defeated the Persian general Seleucus. Divided his empire into provinces, then districts for tax assessments and law enforcement. He feared assassination [like Saddam Hussein] food tasters, slept in different rooms, etc. 301 BCE gave up his throne & became a Jain.
Chandragupta: 321 BCE-298 BCE Divided his empire into provinces, then districts for tax assessments and law enforcement. Familiar? He feared assassination food tasters, slept in different rooms, etc. Like Persia and China, a bureaucratic administrative system enabled him to implement policies throughout the state Coinage, trade, tribute, etc.
The Maurya Dynasty Chandragupta established his court at Pataliputra, on the Ganges River Fearful to leave the palace at Pataliputra, Chandragupta and his successors split the empire into many provinces, each to be overseen by local governors The governors would regulate tax collection, justice, transportation, and defence in their respective province
Centralized Large staff Tax collection, trade and commerce, vital statistics, welfare of foreigners, maintaining public places Organized army Provinces Districts Villages
The Mauryan Empire is Established Chandragupta Maurya Seizes Power In 321 B.C. Chandragupta Maurya seizes power, starts Mauryan Empire Chandragupta Maurya Unifies North India Chandragupta defeats Seleucus I; north India is united for the first time Chandragupta uses taxes to support his large army
The Mauryan Empire Many small kingdoms existed across India in 300s BC Each kingdom had own ruler; no central authority united them Magadha a dominant kingdom near Ganges Strong leader, Chandragupta Maurya gained control Began conquering surrounding kingdoms Conquests led to founding of Mauryan empire
The Mauryan Empire is Established Running the Empire Chandragupta s chief adviser is Kautilya, a priest Chandragupta creates a bureaucratic government He divides the government to make it easier to rule
The Mauryan Empire Under Chandragupta's rule trade flourished. The treasury was filled and the capital Pataliputra was one of the biggest and most beautiful cities in the world. Chandragupta used his wealth to build up a large governing body.
Patna Mauryan capital city on the Ganges river 500,000 residents largest city in the world during that era surrounded by timber wall with 570 towers wall was about 21 miles Patna covered about 9 miles and was surrounded by a moat
Political Profile Political Centralization Entire empire ruled by a powerful state Maintained order with army and officials Hands-on rulers Claimed ¼ to ½ of all agricultural production Heavily taxing Created the universal emperor, a divinely sanctioned leader with a special role in the cosmic scheme of things
Kautilya Chandragupta s advisor. Brahmin caste. Wrote The Treatise on Material Gain or the Arthashastra. A guide for the king and his ministers: Supports royal power. The great evil in society is anarchy. Therefore, a single authority is needed to employ force when necessary!
POLITICAL IDEOLOGY OF THE MAURYAS The political ideology of the Mauryas was basically derived from the Arthashastra, the treatise on government, is said to have been written by the prime minister of Chandragupta Maurya. Although often compared to Machiavelli's Prince because of its sometimes ruthless approach to practical politics, Kautilya's work is far more varied--and entertaining--than usual accounts of it indicates.
KAUTILYA S PRAGMATISM Kautilya prescribed four principles of conquest: Sam, the primary principle, implies the use of rationalization but if this technique does not work then the second element is Kam i.e. bribery. If this does not produce the desired result, then the tertiary principle is Dand or the vehement use of violence.
KAUTILYA S PRAGMATISM If all three fail then the last machination is Bheet or sowing seeds of dissension and discord.
KAUTILYA S PRAGMATISM Arthashastra remains unique in all of Indian literature because of its total absence of specious reasoning, or its unabashed advocacy of realpolitik. Espionage and the liberal use of provocative agents is recommended on a large scale. Murder and false accusations were to be used by a king's secret agents without any thoughts to morals or ethics..
Arthashasta Espionage system was the fundamental aspect of the Mauryan administration. Arthashastra advocates the frequent use of spies, and recommends that they should work in the guise of recluses, householders, merchants, ascetics, students, mendicants, women, and prostitutes.
Rise of the Mauryan Empire Alexander the Great Alexander conquered force in northwest India, 326 BC Did not remain in India long Battle-weary soldiers wanted to return home, soon left India Mauryan army Chandragupta built immense army, 60,000 soldiers Chariots, war elephants Began conquering northern India Alexander s legacy Alexander s conquest inspired Chandragupta Maurya Seized throne of kingdom of Magadha, 321 BC Began Mauryan empire Extended empire Defeated Seleucus I, 305 BC Mauryan empire controlled northern India, 303 BC Also controlled much of what is now Afghanistan
Government---Centralizing The nucleus of the Mauryan empire was the king, and the increasing power of the king was accompanied by a similar increase in the power of the chief priest (purohita), who by now had begun to assume the function of the chief minister, his religious status receded in the background (example: Kautilya).
Government The two key central officials were the Treasurer and the Chief Collector. The treasurer was responsible for keeping the account of the income in cash and for storing the income in kind. The chief collector, assisted by a body of clerks, kept records of taxes which came from various parts of the empire.
Mauryan Rule Strong government Like Qin, Han rulers, Chandragupta Maurya established centralized government to control empire, crush resistance Relied on brilliant adviser Kautilya, Brahmin, member of the priest caste Arthasastra Manual for statecraft, thought to be written by Kautilya Arthasastra called for strict state control Also called for use of spies, even assassination Empire divided Chandragupta divided empire into districts, appointed loyalists to rule them Organized bureaucracy ran government, spies monitored officials, gathered information, rooted out threats to state
Government The Mauryan empire was divided into four provinces each under a prince or a member of the royal family. Governors administrating smaller units were selected from amongst the local people. Each province was sub-divided into districts, each of these into groups of villages, and the final unit of administration was the village.
Government The urban centres had their own hierarchy of officers. Megesthenes describes the administration of Pataliputra (capital) in detail. According to him, the city was run by 30 officials, divided into 6 committees of 5 Each committee supervised one of the following functions: questions relating to industrial arts, matters relating to trade and commerce, law and order, welfare of the foreigners, supervision of the public sale of manufactured goods and collection of tax on articles sold (the tax was one tenth of the purchase price).
The Mauryan Empire Megasthenes Greek ambassador visited Mauryan Empire during Chandragupta s reign Wrote about his observations Described land of prosperity Pataliputra Greatest city, Mauryan capital: magnificent palaces, temples, parks Government controlled economy Emperor owned land, rent money from farmers funded government
The Mauryan Empire Just like the first ruler of united China one century later, the first Emperor of this new Empire had a very important advisor. His name was Kautilya. According to his teachings, the state should control everything. Therefore, the Empire was full of spies. However, there also was tolerance towards private enterprising and there was great local autonomy, bounded by the rules of the state. And, even the monarch had his duties.
The Mauryan Empire In 305 Seleukos Nikator invaded the Punjab. It is not known whether there had been battle or not, but it is certain that Chandragupta kept the Punjab and annexed three of the richest provinces of Seleukos. Also, the border was moved to the western side of the Hindu Kush. The young Empire was secured.
The Mauryan Empire At a higher age, Chandragupta got interested in religion. According to the Jainistic tradition, Chandragupta left his throne to his son Bindusara in 301 BC and slowly hungered himself to death in a Jainistic monestry.
Succession Tradition holds that Chandragupta abdicated his throne to become a monk and eventually starved himself to death. Whether this is true or not, it is certain that his son, Bindusara, succeeded him In 297 B.C.E., added most of southern India to the growing empire. The high point of the Mauryan Empire came during the reign of Chandragupta s grandson, Asoka.
The Mauryan Empire is Established Life in the City and the Country A Greek ambassador writes glowing praise of the empire Chandragupta s son rules from 301 to 269 B.C., (32 years) Aŝoka Chandragupta s grandson, brings the empire to its height Mahabodhi Temple, site of first temple built by Asoka (3 rd century B.C.) on spot of Buddha s enlightenment. Bihar, India
Ashoka Maurya
Asoka s reign (268-232 B.C.E.) Asoka s first major undertaking was to conquer a region of eastcentral India known as Kalinga. By Asoka s estimate 100,000 died and over 150,000 were removed from their lands. Some scholars debate that because of the bloody campaign, Asoka converted to Buddhism.
Asoka Asoka was the best known Mauryan emperor, ruling from 269 to 232 BC Under his rule, the empire would reach its greatest size During the conquest of Southern India, a massacre of more than 100,000 people occured Feeling great remorse for the deaths, Asoka renounced violence and converted to Buddhism
Rule under Ashoka Chandragupta gave up throne, 301 BC, became Jainist monk Son became emperor, followed by grandson Ashoka Mauryan empire reached height under Ashoka Through warfare empire expanded, included most of India Kalinga campaign Violence of fighting at Kalinga appalled Ashoka Abandoned policy of conquest and converted to Buddhism Began to promote, spread policy of right conduct, Buddhism Supported Buddhist missionaries, worked to improve lives of his people
Ashoka 268-232 BC Most important ruler in ancient India Brutal military commander who extended the Empire throughout S. and E. India Battle of Kalinga -260 BC 100,000 Kalingans died 150,000 Kalingans driven from their home More died from disease & starvation in the aftermath of the destruction brought on by the war What have I done? Ashokaand many Indian leaders converted to Buddhism after this battle and became pacifists He spent the rest of his life encouraging nonviolence, moderation and Buddhist principles to India
ASOKA S DHAMMA The people of the Mauryan empire needed a common perspective to face all the divergent forces; the power of mercantile community, the influence of urban guilds, the strain of centralized political system, the multiplicity of races, cultures and languages in the empire. The adoption of a new faith and its active propagation acted as a cementing force.
ASOKA S DHAMMA Asoka did not regard himself as a Great Elect in his relations with his subjects, but rather a father figure. All men are my children, and just as I desire for my children that they should obtain welfare and happiness, both in this world and the next, so do I desire (the same) for all men.
ASOKAS DHAMMA A centralized monarchy demanded more dependence on the part of the population. The monarch is now regarded as the paternal benefactor and not as the servant of the state. Asoka s dhamma was his own invention and in essence an attempt to suggest a way of life which was both practical, and convenient, as well as highly moral.
ASOKA S DHAMMA The policy of Dhamma was the exposition of his personal relationship with Buddhism and his role as the emperor of the Mauryan empire. He used certain aspects of Buddhism to further his own ideas, thus treating this religion not merely a religious philosophy but also as a social and intellectual force upon society. The Edicts gave him the opportunity to expound his dhamma to its fullest context.
Asoka Asoka was a famous ruler of India. He became emperor in 268 BC. After fighting a bloody battle, he sickened of war and turned his life in a different direction. He became a Buddhist, or someone who followed the teachings of Buddha. He lived peacefully and built roads for travelers, planted trees to give shade, constructed rest houses and dug wells. He considered all his subjects his children and tried to care for them with love and kindness. Many people became Buddhist after Asoka s example.
Asoka As a Buddhist, Asoka began preaching the virtues of good work, nonviolence, and religious tolerance Stoopahs were built for monks throughout the empire and roads repaired, so that pilgramages could be made to religious shrines Asoka spread Buddhism to Southeast Asia and modern day Sri Lanka by dispatching missionaries throughout the region
A Stoopah in the Mauryan Capital of Pataliputra
Asoka: The Buddhist King of India Buddhism turned Asoka, the bloodthirsty king of ancient India s Mauryan Empire, into a peaceloving ruler.
Asoka s Buddhist Rock and Pillar Edicts spread Buddhist principles scattered in more than 30 places in India, Nepal,Pakistan, & Afghanistan. Each pillar is 40-50 high. helped bring order and unity to India
One of Asoka s Stupas
Asoka (304 232 BCE) Religious conversion after the gruesome battle of Kalinga in 262 BCE. Dedicated his life to Buddhism. Built extensive roads. Conflict how to balance Kautilya s methods of keeping power and Buddha s demands to become a selfless person?
Asoka s law code Edicts scattered in more than 30 places in India, Nepal, Pakistan, & Afghanistan. Written mostly in Sanskrit, but one was in Greek and Aramaic. 10 rock edicts. Each pillar [stupa] is 40-50 high. Buddhist principles dominate his laws.
ROCK INSCRIPTION: GIRNAR
ROCK EDICTS # 1 PROHIBITION OF ANIMAL SACRIFICES AND FESTIVE GATHERINGS Arthashastra has listed the killing of animals as an inviolable punishable act. And Asoka s order was the continuation of the same policy.
ROCK EDICT # 2 MEASURES OF SOCIAL WELFARE Medical centres for men and animals. Construction of roads and highways. Plantation of trees and herbs on the roads. It is interesting to note that these measures facilitated trade, commerce and communications, and were recommended in Arthashastra.
ROCK EDICT # 3 &4 SHOWING RESPECT TO BRAHMANAS AND SHRAMANAS IS A VIRTUE There was lack of civility and morality in the empire by showing disrespect to Brahmans, and relatives, killings of the animals and other forms of immoral practices.
ROCK EDICT #5 INSTITUTION OF DHAMMA- MAHAMATTAS The special cadre of officials were appointed by Asoka who were directly responsible for the practical working of Dhamma. A centralized administration is always more efficient if social welfare at all levels is well attended to and Asoka s centralization included the welfare of his subjects.
ROCK EDICT # 6 THE MAHA- MAHATTAS ARE TOLD TO REPORT TO THE KING ANY TIME The availability of the king was regarded as an important characteristic of a good monarch and was stressed in all theoretical sources. Arthashastra prescribes this in his chapter on Duties of the Kings. Megesthenes s statement about Chandra Gupta that he attended the matters of state while being massaged and giving audiences.
ROCK EDICT # 7, 8, 9 & 10 PLEADING FOR TOLERENCE FOR ALL SECTS DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM OF DHAMMA- YATRAS THE VALUE OF PRACTISED CEREMONIES IS QUESTIONED AND ATTACKED ASOKA DENOUNCES FAME AND GLORY AND DESIRES THAT HIS SUBJECTS SHOULD FOLLOW THE DHAMMA
EDICT # 11 & 12 CONQUEST BY DHAMMA The idea of conquest through Dhamma is a logical development of the theory of Dhamma. It is opposed to conquest by force and thus eliminates aggressive warfare. The use of term conquest implies the adoption of these principles. DESCRIPTION OF EDICTS BEING INSCRIBED THROUGHOUT THE EMPIRE Asoka Dhamma was promulgated to consolidate the achievements of his ancestors and to fulfill his moral obligations and to achieve an unparallel place in the annals of history.
The Mauryan Empire is Established Asoka Promotes Buddhism After a bloody war with Kalinga, Asoka promotes Buddhism and peace Preaches religious toleration accepting people of different religions Builds roads, with wells along them
Ashoka's colum n Ashoka's column The best preserved of the pillars that King Ashoka erected in about 240 B.C.E. is this one in the Bihar region, near Nepal. The solid shaft of polished sandstone rises 32 feet in the air. It weighs about 50 tons, making its erection a remarkable feat of engineering. Like other Ashokan pillars, it is inscribed with accounts of Ashoka's political achievements and instructions to his subjects on proper behavior. These pillars are the earliest extant examples of Indian writing and a major historical source for the Mauryan period. (Borromeo/Art Resource, NY) 63 Copyright Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Religion Buddhism grows built thousands of Stupas for Buddhist followers. built Buddhist schools and universities the unnecessary eating of animals was abolished. Wildlife became protected including the first national parks in the world promoted vegetarianism and built animal hospitals. Ashoka s empire died out slowly after he died
Sent Buddhist missionaries to neighboring lands India became a major crossroads in a vast trade network Mauryan Empire declined after his death Asoka s Buddhist proselytism
Pillars Lion Capital of Asoka Stupas Barabar Caves Architecture
Economy Controlled Khyber Pass Trade with Greece, Hellenistic Kingdoms and Malaysian Peninsula
Trade/Economy Agricultural economy New canals and irrigation systems for trade and agriculture. renovated major roads throughout India. built towns for spinning & weaving textiles uniform system of currency, weights and measures Created provinces ruled by governors for tax assessments and law enforcement Taxes rose over time to build Ashoka s projects which led to Empire s fall at Ashoka s death Increased trade by uniting India India traded silk, cotton, and spices to Mesopotamia, China, Egypt and Rome
Trade Mauryan prosperity Highways fostered commerce -east-west highway Merchant quarters Active exchange with adjacent countries
Indian Agriculture State farms operated and cultivated by slaves. Grew Rice, Pepper, Wheat, Barley, Mustard, Sugar Cane, Medicinal Roots
Social Systems Extended family smallest social unit High-point for women in ancient India Some slavery Very little use of caste system
Asoka s Empir e
Turmoil & a power Vacuum: 220 BCE 320 CE The Maurya Empire is divided into many kingdoms.
The Mauryan Empire Mauryan empire began to decline following death of Ashoka, 232 BC Sons battled for power, central control weakened Distant provinces began to slip away Last Mauryan emperor killed by one of generals, 184 BC Mauryan empire lasted 140 years, then collapsed
The Mauryan Empire 324 Chandragupta drives the Macedonian grassisons away 305 Seleukos Nicator invades, Chandragupta gains 3 provinces and the Empire is secured 301 Bindusara becomes Emperor 269 Ashoka becomes Emperor 232 Ashoka dies, decline begins 184 The Empire collapses
A Period of Turmoil The Breakup of the Mauryan Empire Asoka dies in 232 B.C.; kingdoms in central India soon break away The Andhra Dynasty dominates central India for centuries Northern India receives immigrants from Greece and other parts of Asia Tamils a people living in southern India remain separate and frequently war with rival peoples.
After the Mauryans: Regional Rule and the Rise of Jainism and Buddhism
Jainism like Hindu and Buddhism Believe in karma, dharma and Moksha expected to follow five principles of living: Ahimsa:"non violence in all parts of a person -- mental, verbal and physical." Satya:speaking truth; avoiding falsehood Asteya:to not steal from others Brahma-charya:(soul conduct); remaining sexually monogamous to one's spouse only Aparigraha:detach from people, places and material things. Avoiding the collection of excessive material possessions, abstaining from overindulgence, restricting one's needs,
Regional Kingdoms and local rule -185 BCE to CE 300 Northern India Invading HUNS built new small regional kingdoms Hindu Kush civilizations Most powerful regional kingdoms for trade across the region and along the Silk Road Jainism grew in influence during this time of confusion since the leaders pushing Hindu and Buddhism were weakened