Ashoka and the Mauryan Empire

Ashoka - The Emperor Who Gave up War

• The lions on Indian currency notes represent the Mauryan Empire.
• The lions were carved on a stone pillar at Sarnath, a significant site mentioned in chapter 6.
• Ashoka, a prominent historical ruler, used pillars and rock surfaces to communicate.

The Mauryan Empire

• The Mauryan Empire, established by Chandragupta Maurya over 1300 years ago, was a powerful entity.
• Chandragupta was assisted by Chanakya, whose ideas are detailed in the Arthashastra.
• The Mauryan dynasty included Chandragupta, Bindusara, and Ashoka.
• Ashoka's empire encompassed parts of modern-day India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.

Empire vs. Kingdom

• Empires, larger than kingdoms, require more resources, including a larger army and more officials for taxation.
• The Mauryan Empire was governed through provinces, each with a provincial capital like Taxila or Ujjain.
• Pataliputra and its surrounding region were directly controlled by the Emperor, with tax collectors overseeing farmers, herdsmen, craftspeople, and traders.

Tribute and Resources

• Tribute was collected from willing individuals who provided various goods.
• Regular taxation was collected from those within the Emperor's direct control.
• The Arthashastra indicated the Northwest as a source for blankets and South India for gold and precious stones, potentially obtained by tribute.

Megasthenes and Pataliputra

• Megasthenes, a Greek ambassador to Chandragupta's court, described Pataliputra as a magnificent city with substantial walls, towers, and gates.
• Houses were made of wood and mud bricks, while the palace featured stone carvings.

Ashoka - A Unique Ruler

• Ashoka, known for communicating with his people through inscriptions, used Prakrit in the Brahmi script in most of his inscriptions.
• Ashoka conquered Kalinga, but the resulting war's brutality led him to abandon warfare.

Ashoka's Dhamma

• Ashoka's Dhamma, derived from Dharma, focused on ethical conduct and moral living.
• It promoted respect for all life, including animals, and encouraged kindness towards slaves and servants.
• He emphasized religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Expanding Ashoka's Dhamma

• Ashoka appointed Dhamma Mahamatras to teach his Dhamma code.
• Inscriptions on rocks and pillars allowed his message to reach the illiterate.
• He sent messengers to countries like Syria, Egypt, Greece and Sri Lanka to spread his ideals.

Comparing Empires

• The Great Wall of China, built over 2000 years, was created to protect the northern frontier from nomadic peoples.
• Ashoka's approach to neighboring areas differed from that of Chinese emperors; he prioritized peace and non-violence.

Legacy of the Mauryan Empire

• The Mauryan Empire, though collapsing about 2200 years ago, shaped subsequent kingdoms.
• Indo-Greeks ruled the Northwest for roughly 100 years, followed by the Shakas.
• The Kushanas, whose period is explored further in Chapter 9, ruled for approximately 2000 years.

Post-Mauryan Dynasties

• The Shunga dynasty, founded by a Mauryan general, succeeded the Mauryans.
• The Kanva dynasty and others followed, leading to the eventual emergence of the Gupta Empire roughly 1700 years ago.
• The Satavahana kingdom existed for approximately 400 years, contemporaneous with Shaka rule in Western India.
• The Vakataka dynasty gained influence in Central and Western India around 1700 years ago.

Kingdoms in Southern India

• The Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas ruled in South India for over 800 years.
• The Pallavas and Chalukyas emerged as prominent kingdoms about 1500 years ago.

Growth and Change

• Agricultural expansion led to the creation of new towns and boosted trade.
• Trade routes connected the subcontinent and reached West Asia, East Africa, and Southeast Asia.
• Temple and stupa construction, advancements in writing, and scientific developments marked remarkable transformations.

Explore the significant historical impact of Ashoka, the emperor who renounced war, and the vast Mauryan Empire he governed. Learn about the pillars of Ashoka, the legendary rulers of the Mauryan dynasty, and the key differences between empires and kingdoms. This quiz will test your knowledge on Indian history and the era's influential figures.