THE MAURYAN EMPIRE

Short Answer Questions

Question 1

State any two sources of information about the Mauryan Empire.

Answer

Two sources of information about the Mauryan Empire are:

1. Arthashastra of Kautilya — It was written by Kautilya or Chanakya, the Prime

minister of Chandragupta Maurya. It is a comprehensive manual that deals
with politics, rules of diplomacy, principles of administration and other
political topics.
2. Indika — This book was written by Magasthenes, a greek ambassador at the
court of Chandragupta Maurya. This book contains his impressions of what
he heard and saw during his stay in India.

Question 2

Who wrote Arthashastra? What is its importance?

Answer

Arthashastra was written by Kautilya, also known as Chanakya and Vishnugupta.

He was advisor and Prime Minister of Chandragupta Maurya.

Arthashastra is one of the most important source of information about Mauryan

times. It is a comprehensive manual that deals with politics, rules of diplomacy,
principles of administration and other such political topics.

Question 3

What is the importance of Ashoka's edicts?

Answer

The edicts of Ashoka form the most important source of Mauryan history. They are
the oldest, best preserved and precisely dated records of India. The Ashoka's edicts
provide an insight into the life and ideals of Ashoka in particular and about the
history of the Mauryas in general. Details about Kalinga war, call for non-violence
and peace are mentioned on these edicts.

Question 4

Who wrote the Indika? What does it contain?

Answer

Indika was written by Megasthenes, a greek ambassador. It contains his

impressions of what he heard and saw during his stay in India.
Question 5

What is a Stupa? Name one Stupa built by Ashoka.

Answer

A Stupa is a semi-spherical solid dome like structure made of unburnt bricks and
stones. It represents the spiritual body of Buddha containing his relics such as hair,
teeth or bones.

Ashoka built the Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh.

Question 6

How did the Chandragupta Maurya establish the Mauryan Dynasty?

Answer

Chandragupta Maurya was dismissed from the service of Nandas who ruled before
him. He then met Kautilya, a Brahmin at Takshila. They joined hands to destroy the
Nanda dynasty. After a long series of battles with Chandragupta, the Nanda capital
at Pataliputra fell. This led to the emergence of Mauryan Dynasty with
Chandragupta Maurya as the emperor.

Question 7

What is the importance of the Kalinga war in the personal life of Ashoka?

Answer

Kalinga war changed Ashoka's personal life. He stopped hunting and eating meat
and abandoned the life of luxury. He embraced Buddhism and followed some of the
Buddhist principles in his state policy like non-violence and disapproval of empty
rituals. He went on tours to preach Buddhism to people. He also sent missionaries
to the various parts of the world. He sent his daughter Sanghamitra and son
Mahindra to Sri Lanka to propogate Buddhism.

Question 8

What was the impact of Ashoka embracing the policy of Dhammaghosha?

Answer

The impact of Ashoka embracing the policy of Dhammaghosha was:

1. Ashoka abandoned the policy of 'conquest by force' (bherigosha) and

ambition of 'victory in all directions' (Digvijay).
2. He stopped hunting and eating meat and abandoned the life of luxury.
3. The prisoners of war were used for agricultural work. It resulted in an
increase in production and brought about economic prosperity in his empire.
4. Ashoka started preaching Buddhism, sent missionaries to various parts of
the world and sent his daughter, Sanghmitra and son, Mahindra to Sri Lanka
to propagate Buddhism.
 5. He followed Buddhist principles in his State policy like non-violence and
dissaproval of empty rituals.
6. He erected several pillars and edicts, gave donations to Viharas and ordered
construction of Stupas to keep the relics of Buddha.
7. There was decline in military preparedness and efficiency due to
abandonment of wars.

Question 9

Name the two taxes mentioned in the Edicts of Ashoka.

Answer

The two taxes mentioned in the Edicts of Ashoka are:

1. Bhaga — It was levied on agricultural produce and cattles.

2. Bali — It was religious tribute.

Question 10

How did the king keep himself abreast with whatever was happening in his
kingdom?

Answer

The king has a wide network of spies in his empire. They kept the king informed
about the important developments in his kingdom. The king was always kept
informed of the working of the bureaucracy.

Question 11

What is meant by Ashoka's Dhamma?

Answer

Ashoka's Dhamma was a 'Common Code of Conduct' or a 'Moral Law' or an 'Ethical

Order' that was based on the unifying principles of all major religions of the world.
It was not a religion or religious system. He wanted his subjects to follow this
Dhamma instead of imposing any religion on them.

Question 12

Give the basic principles of Ashoka's Dhamma.

Answer

The basic principles of Ashoka's Dhamma were:

1. Respect for elders and love for children.

2. Ahimsa or non-violence.
3. Good deeds or good karma would give happiness to man in the next birth.
4. He taught people to respect all religions.
5. He disapproved empty rituals.
Question 13

What was the impact of Dhamma on Ashoka's policies?

Answer

The impacts of Dhamma on Ashoka's policies were:

1. Religious unity — People belonging to different religions followed their

emperor's policy of religious tolerance.
2. Moral values — People under the influence of Dhamma started living a moral
life.
3. End of crimes — Due to policy of Ahimsa, thefts, crimes and other such
activities almost came to an end.
4. Public welfare — With the policy of conquests and wars having come to an
end, officials undertook public welfare and public work schemes. This
resulted in prosperity and helped people to lead a peaceful life.

Structured Questions

Question 1

With reference to the sources of information on the Mauryan Empire, explain briefly
the significance of the following:

(a) Arthashastra

(b) Indika

(c) Sanchi Stupa

Answer

(a) Arthashastra — Discovered in 1909, it is the most important of all the sources
on the history of Mauryas. It was written by Kautilya also known as Chanakya and
Vishnugupta. Written in sanskrit, Arthashastra is a comprehensive manual that
deals with politics, rules of diplomacy, principles and art of administration and
other such political topics. It gives us information about the central and provincial
governments and their officials.

(b) Indika — It was written by Megasthenes, who was a Greek ambassador sent by
Seleucus, at the court of Chandragupta Maurya. Although original Indika has been
lost but its fragments are available in the writings of later Greek authors like
Strabo, Arrian and Diodorus. Indika contains whatever Megasthenes saw and heard
during his stay. It tells us about the administration and political conditions of
Mauryans. It also mentions about the ruler of Kalinga.

(c) Sanchi Stupa — It is located at Sanchi, 45 km from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.

Its foundation was laid by Ashoka. It represents the spiritual body of Buddha
containing his relics such as hair, teeth or bones. There are four gateways in four
directions. They have carved panels depicting events from the life of Buddha and
some tales from Jataka stories. Buddha is represented by Symbols like the peepal
tree, lotus or a wheel. The pillars are surmounted by capitals which contain
sculptures of lions. Sanchi Stupa reflects information about architecture and
importance of Buddhism during Mauryan period.

Question 2

With reference to Mauryan Empire, answer the following questions:

(a) Give a brief account of how Chandragupta established the Mauryan Empire.

(b) Give a brief account of the Kalinga war and its consequences.

(c) Name four important ways in which Buddhism spread under the royal patronage
during the Mauryan times.

Answer

(a) Chandragupta Maurya worked with Nandas, who ruled before him. He was
dismissed from the services by Nandas. He then met Kautilya, son of a brahmin, at
Takshilla (Kautilya later became famous as Chanakya). Kautilya too was wronged
by the Nandas. They joined hands with each other to destroy Nandas. After a long
series of Battles, Chandragupta Maurya defeated Nandas and established the
Mauryan Empire. Chandragupta Maurya took over the territories conquered by
Alexander in the North-Western part of India after Alexander's death. Later on he
defeated Seleucus and got Kabul, Kandahar, Herat and Baluchistan from him. His
empire extended from Kabul and Kandahar in the North-West to Mysore in the
south; and from Bengal in the east to Saurashtra in the west.

(b) The Kalinga war was fought between the ruler of Kalinga and Ashoka. The ruler
of Kalinga was very powerful and that's why Ashoka faced tough resistance. Ashoka
won the war but both sides suffered heavy losses. The death and destruction
caused by the Kalinga war brought about a great change in the personal and
political life of Ashoka. He abandoned the policy of 'conquest by force' (bherigosha)
and ambition of 'victory in all directions' (Digvijay) and embraced the policy of
religion (Dhammagosha). He stopped hunting, eating meat and abandoned the life
of luxury. He embraced Buddhism and engaged himself in spreading it. He adopted
the policy of non-violence and disapproved empty rituals. The prisoners of war
were used for agricultural work that resulted in the increase in production and
brought economic prosperity in his empire.

(c) Four important ways in which Buddhism spread under the royal patronage
during the Mauryan times were:

1. Huge donations were given by Mauryan kings to Buddhist Viharas.

2. Ashoka got erected several pillars and edicts to spread the teachings of
Buddhism. These pillars had Buddhist teachings engraved on them. Ashoka
ordered for construction of 84,000 Stupas to keep the relics of Buddha.
3. Ashoka himself went on tours to preach Buddhism to people. He also sent
missionaries to various parts of the world.
4. Ashoka sent his daughter, Sanghamitra and son, Mahindra to Sri Lanka to
propagate Buddhism.

Question 3

With reference to Mauryan administration, answer the following questions:

(a) Why is Chandragupta Maurya regarded as the chief architect of the system of
administration?

(b) Briefly describe the main features of civil and military administration under
Mauryan rule.

(c) Explain briefly the Pan-Indian character of Mauryan administration.

Answer

(a) Chandragupta Maurya is regarded as the chief architect of the system of

administration because he laid the foundation of an elaborate system of
administration, under the guidance of Chanakya. Chanakya wrote a book
Arthashastra in which he describes the principles of politics and the art of
administration. The Mauryan administration had two main divisions — civil
administration and military administration. There was a council of ministers and
each minister was responsible for his own department.

(b) The main features of civil and military administration under Mauryan rule are
described below:

Civil Administration

1. The civil administration had two main divisions — the Central Government
and the Provincial Government.
2. The Mauryan Government was centralised and was managed by several
officials at different ranks.
3. The king was supreme authority and supreme judge. His throne was
hereditary.
4. The king was assisted by the council of ministers headed by prime minister.
5. The provincial government was headed by Kumar or Aryaputra and the
district administration was looked after by Pradeshika, Rajuka and Yukta.
6. There were Mahamatras to assist Kumars. Pradeshika was the tax collector.
7. There was an efficient Spy system to keep the king informed.
8. Two kinds of taxes, namely Bali and Bhaga were levied.

Military Administration

1. There was a huge army consisting of infantry, cavalry, elephants and

chariots. The army had 6,00,000 infantry, 30,000 cavalry, 9000 war
elephants and 8000 chariots
2. The chief weapon used were bows, arrows, shields, swords etc.
3. The king was the commander in chief of army.
4. The whole army was under a military commission of thirty members and
they had a well laid recruitment policy.
5. The soldiers were paid in cash.
6. The Mauryan king had built forts at strategic places for safety and security of
empire.

(c) The Mauryan Empire extended from Hindukush in north-west to river Pennar in
south. The chief advantages of the Pan-Indian character of Mauryan Empire were
the following:
 1. It marked the end of small states.
2. It helped in establishing trade links with foreign countries.
3. It made India strong and helped the Mauryan kings face foreign aggressions
successfully.
4. This helped the Mauryan kings to pay more attention to social and economic
life of the people. Hence, there was an all-round economic prosperity.

Question 4

With reference to the Mauryan administration, write short notes on the following:

(a) The Central Government

(b) District Administration

(c) Revenue system

Answer

(a) The Central Government — The Mauryan Government was centralised. The
king was supreme authority as well as the supreme judge. His throne was
hereditary. He was assisted by a council of ministers or Mantri Parishad. The
council of ministers was headed by Prime Minister. Each minister was responsible
for his department. The council of ministers included Pujari (Purohit), Senapati (War
related matters), Sannidhata (the treasure head), Samaharta (taxation expert), etc.
The other officers were Accountant General, one incharge of Agriculture,
Superintendent of Mines, Superintendent of ports, Controller of Commerce, as well
as the Superintendent of Weights and Measures.

(b) District Administration — During Mauryan period, the provinces were further
divided into Districts also known as Janapadas. Officers like Pradeshika (tax
collector), Rajuka (revenue officer) and Yukta (the treasurer) looked after the
administration of districts.
Important cities and the capital of provinces had their own administrative system.
The head of the city was called Nagaradhyaksha.

(c) Revenue System — The Revenue System of Mauryan period was very
efficient. It was regulated by Samaharta in the ministerial council. The land
revenue was the main source of income. Two kinds of taxes were imposed namely
Bali and Bhaga. Bhaga was levied on agricultural produce and cattles at the rate of
one-sixth while Bali was religious tribute. Toll tax was imposed on articles which
were brought for sale. Taxes were also imposed on liquor shops, gambling houses,
forests and mines. The income from the revenue collected was used to develop
various facilities like roads, irrigation, hospitals and meet expenses of the state.

Question 5

Study the Ashokan edict and answer the following questions:

(a) What is an edict? Where are these edicts inscribed?

(b) What is the significance of edicts as a source of information?

(c) Explain briefly the importance of Ashoka's edicts giving example from one of his
edicts.

Answer

(a) An edict is a decree issued by a sovereign. They are the oldest, best preserved
and precisely dated records of India.
These edicts are inscribed on rocks and pillars throughout the country and include
14 major rock edicts, 7 pillar edicts and a number of minor rock edicts.

(b) The significance of edicts as a source of information lies in the fact that they
provide us useful insight into the life and ideals of Ashoka in particular and about
the history of Mauryans in general. They are most precisely dated records of
Mauryan period.

(c) The edicts provide us the most accurate records and information about the
ideals and political scenario of Mauryan empire. Taking Ashoka's Rock Edict-I as an
example, reference to protection of animals is made in this edict. It tells us that in
pursuance of his policy of non-violence, Ashoka prohibited killing of animals for
sacrifices; advocated restraint in the number that had to be killed for consumption;
protected some of animals, and in general condemned cruel act against animals.

Question 6

Study the picture given below and answer the following questions:

(a) Name the structure given in the picture. Name the dynasty and the king who
built it.

(b) Where is it located? Mention any two architectural features of this structure.

(c) What is the significance of a Buddhist Stupa?

Answer

(a) The structure given in the picture is Sanchi Stupa. It was built by King Ashoka
of Mauryan dynasty.

(b) It is located at Sanchi, 45km from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.

Two architectural features of this structure are:

1. Stupa has a semi-spherical solid dome-like structure made of unburnt bricks

and stones.
2. There are four gateways in four directions. They have carved panels
depicting events from the life of Buddha and some tales from Jataka stories.

(c) A Buddhist Stupa has special significance. It represents the spiritual body of
Buddha containing his relics such as hair, teeth or bones. A casket containing these
relics is placed at the base of the dome.

Thinking Skills

Question 1
Imagine that you met a person, whose family suffered the consequences of the
Kalinga War waged by Ashoka. Describe the horrors of the war as told by him.
State the differences which you find between the Kalinga War and the modern
warfare.

Answer

I met a person, who fought in the Kalinga war along with his two brothers. He told
me that he lost both his brothers in the war. The war left him handicapped. There
was no one to earn and feed the family. Many others lost their lives, many
wounded. The loss was unprecedented.

The description about Kalinga war has been mentioned in Rock Edict XIII. The
Kalinga war involved the use of infantry, cavalary and elephants. On the contrary
mordern warfare include use of guns, tanks, missiles, fighter aircrafts, etc. Modern
warfare has the potential for even greater destruction and loss of life.

Question 2

Explain the symbolism preached by the sculpture on the Emblem of India.

Answer

The Emblem of India is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka. The Emblem
features four lions standing back to back, with the Ashoka Chakra (a wheel with 24
spokes) in the center. The lions are said to represent power, courage, pride, and
confidence, and they are standing on a circular base which represents the Dharma
Chakra or the wheel of law.

The Ashoka Chakra, which is at the center of the Emblem, represents the constant
motion and progress of the country. It has 24 spokes which are said to represent
the 24 hours of the day.

The Emblem of India represents the country's rich cultural heritage and its
commitment to principles of justice, truth, and non-violence, which were important
to Ashoka and are enshrined in the country's constitution.

Question 3

You are given an opportunity to pen the text of an Ashokan Edict. Briefly list what
would you write.

Answer

Below is the text of the Ashokan Edict that I will write:

"I have always been concerned about the welfare of my subjects, and I am always
seeking new ways to improve their lives. To this end, I have established hospitals
and clinics throughout my empire to provide free medical care to those in need. I
have also built rest houses and shelters along the roads for the use of travellers
and pilgrims. These are places where they can rest and find food and water, and
where they can be safe from harm.

In addition, I have issued orders to my officials to act with fairness and justice in all
their dealings with the people. They must not take bribes or engage in corruption,
and they must always be mindful of their duty to serve the public. I have also
ordered that taxes be levied fairly and that the burden be distributed equally
among all sections of society.

I hope that my subjects will take inspiration from my example and strive to lead
virtuous and compassionate lives. Let them show kindness and generosity to all,
and let them work to build a just and harmonious society. This is the path to true
happiness and fulfilment."