Introduction

The Mauryan Empire (321 BCE – 185 BCE) was the first major pan-Indian
empire and one of the largest empires in South Asia. Founded by
Chandragupta Maurya, it reached its peak under Ashoka the Great, who
played a pivotal role in spreading Buddhism across Asia. The empire is known
for its efficient administration, military strength, economic prosperity,
and contributions to art and culture.
Origin and Expansion
Formation by Chandragupta Maurya (321 BCE)
 Overthrew the Nanda Dynasty with the help of Chanakya, a political
strategist and author of the Arthashastra.
 Defeated Seleucus I Nicator, a Greek general of Alexander the Great,
and established diplomatic ties with the Greek world.
Expansion Under Bindusara (297 BCE – 273 BCE)
 Extended the empire further south towards present-day Deccan but did
not conquer Kalinga.
 Maintained diplomatic relations with Greek rulers.
Ashoka and the Peak of the Mauryan Empire (273 BCE – 232 BCE)
 Expanded into Kalinga, but the destructive Kalinga War led Ashoka to
embrace non-violence and Buddhism.
 Ashoka’s Dhamma policy focused on peace, tolerance, and welfare.
 Sent Buddhist missionaries to Sri Lanka, Central Asia, and China.
Major Rulers
Chandragupta Maurya (321–297 BCE)
 First emperor of the Mauryan dynasty.
 Established Pataliputra as the capital.
 Built a strong military and administrative system.
Bindusara (297–273 BCE)
 Expanded the empire to most of India, except Kalinga.
 Strengthened relations with Greeks and Persians.
Ashoka the Great (273–232 BCE)
 Converted to Buddhism after witnessing the horrors of war.
 Introduced public welfare policies and promoted peace.
 Built Ashokan Pillars and Edicts with inscriptions about his governance.
Mauryan Art and Architecture (4th to 2nd Century BC)
 Around the 6th century BCE, religions of the Shramana tradition, such as
Jainism and Buddhism, arose.
 In the 4th century BCE, the Mauryas had established themselves as a
powerful force, and by the 3rd century, they had vast swaths of India
under their authority.
 There were various religious activities at the period, including the worship
of Yakshas and mother-goddesses. Despite this, Buddhism became the
most popular religion.
 Only during the Mauryan period, after the Harappan civilization, did
colossal stone sculpture and building development.
 Pillars, sculptures, rock-cut architecture, and structures like stupas,
viharas, and chaityas served a variety of purposes. They are superb in
terms of aesthetic quality as well as design and execution.

Administrative System
.
Economy and Trade
The Mauryan Empire's economy and trade were characterized by a robust
system of centralized control, extensive agricultural production, and a well-
developed network of trade routes. The empire saw significant agricultural
advancements, with state control over land and the use of iron for tools and
cultivation. Trade was a vital part of the economy, with both internal and external
markets flourishing.
Key aspects of the Mauryan economy and trade:
 Centralized Control:
The state exerted significant control over various aspects of the economy,
including agriculture, trade, and taxation.
 Agricultural Development:
The empire witnessed advancements in agriculture, with the use of iron tools and
state-owned lands (Sita lands).
 Taxation:
The Mauryan government levied taxes on agricultural produce (Bhaga), land
(Bali), and other goods and services.
 Trade Networks:
Both internal and external trade thrived, with major trade routes connecting
cities, districts, and even overseas.
 Goods Traded:
A variety of goods, including agricultural products, textiles, spices, and
manufactured goods, were traded internally and externally.
 Overseas Trade:
The Mauryan Empire engaged in overseas trade with countries like Sri Lanka,
Burma, and the Malay Archipelago.
 Infrastructure:
The empire developed a network of roads and rivers for transportation,
facilitating trade and movement.
Religion and Culture
The Mauryan Empire had no official religion, but Ashoka promoted peace
and tolerance through his pillars and edicts, focusing on Dhamma—a moral
code from Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
 Dhamma encouraged ethical living, obedience, and compassion.
 Ashoka respected all religions but protected Buddhist values.
 His edicts reminded citizens to follow moral principles and state
laws.
 Ashoka’s title, “Beloved of the Gods,” reinforced his divine duty.
 Mauryans were skilled stonemasons, constructing pillars, stupas, and
caves.
 Their iron and steel tools gave them a military advantage over
neighboring kingdoms.

Society
Historians think Mauryan society was more open minded than the empires that
followed it. The Mauryans were tolerant of different groups. Those who served in
the civil service or army were treated well. People believed in family duty and
respect for animals and plants. Nonviolence was particularly important. Many of
these beliefs were drawn from Buddhist ideas. On one pillar, Ashoka explained
his vision for a just society: “I consider how I may bring happiness to the
people, not only to relatives of mine or residents of my capital city but
also to those who are far removed from me. I act in the same manner
with respect to all. I am concerned similarly with all classes. Moreover, I
have honored all religious sects with various offerings. But I consider it
my principal duty to visit the people personally.” (Sixth Pillar Edict) Of
course, this doesn’t mean that society was always fair. But historians think that
social hierarchies in the Mauryan Empire were less rigid than other empires. Like
most complex urban societies, people did have different jobs. But class and caste
systems weren’t always rigid. Overall, Mauryan society was pretty tolerant of
differences
Decline
Ashoka was followed for 50 years by a succession of weaker emperors. He was
succeeded by Dasharatha Maurya, who was Ashoka's grandson. None of
Ashoka's sons could ascend to the throne after him. Mahinda, his firstborn,
became a Buddhist monk. Kunala Maurya was blinded and hence couldn't ascend
to the throne; and Tivala, son of Karuvaki, died even earlier than Ashoka. Little is
known about another son, Jalauka.
The empire lost many territories under Dasharatha, which were later
reconquered by Samprati, Kunala's son. Post Samprati, the Mauryas slowly lost
many territories. In 180 BCE, Brihadratha Maurya, was killed by
his general, Pushyamitra Shunga in a military parade without any heir, giving rise
to the Shunga Empire.
Reasons advanced for the decline include the succession of weak emperors after
Ashoka Maurya, the partition of the empire into two, the growing independence
of some areas within the empire, such as that ruled by Sophagasenus, a top-
heavy administration where authority was entirely in the hands of a few persons,
an absence of any national consciousness, [112] the pure scale of the empire
making it unwieldy, and invasion by the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom.
Some historians, such as Hem Chandra Raychaudhuri, have argued that Ashoka's
pacifism undermined the "military backbone" of the Maurya empire. Others, such
as Romila Thapar, have suggested that the extent and impact of his pacifism
have been "grossly exaggerated".
Conclusion
The Mauryan Empire was one of India’s greatest dynasties, laying the
foundation for strong governance, economic prosperity, and cultural
expansion.
 Chandragupta Maurya unified India and established efficient
administration.
 Bindusara expanded the empire and strengthened diplomatic ties.
 Ashoka the Great transformed the empire with ethical governance
and Buddhism.
Even though the empire declined due to weak successors and invasions, its
legacy continues to influence Indian culture, governance, and Buddhism
worldwide.