Mauryan Empire Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which position is primarily responsible for city administration?

  • Sannidhata
  • Akshapatalik
  • Shulkadhyaksha
  • Nagarka (correct)

What was the main role of the Dhamma Mahamattas created by Ashoka?

  • Oversee trade relations
  • Ensure adherence to Dhamma (correct)
  • Collect taxes
  • Manage military affairs

Which of the following was NOT a type of court identified in the administrative structure?

  • Vyavaharika
  • Kantakashodhan Nyayalaya
  • Dharmastya Nyayalaya
  • Pradeshta Nyayalaya (correct)

What was the function of the Samharata in the administration?

<p>Collector general of revenue (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the ancient Indian concept of a 'Forest Kingdom'?

<p>Atavika Rajya (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ancient Indian traveler referred to the Indian subcontinent as 'Suvarna Bhoomi'?

<p>Megasthenes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which dynasty is known to have ruled from 320 AD to 550 AD?

<p>Gupta Dynasty (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a type of sacrifice performed in ancient India to establish a position?

<p>Vajapeya (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who published the Ashokan inscriptions in 1877?

<p>Alexander Cunningham (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a significant component of provincial administration?

<p>Varnas (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sources provide information about the origins of the Mauryan Dynasty?

<p>Mudrarakshasa (A), Puranas (B), Arthashastra (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Junagarh Rock Inscription regarding the Mauryan Dynasty?

<p>It provides details about the social status of the Mauryan dynasty. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided information, who assisted Chandragupta Maurya in overthrowing the Nanda Dynasty?

<p>Kautilya (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT directly mentioned as a source of information about the Mauryan Dynasty?

<p>Divyadana (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Kalinga war for Ashoka?

<p>It resulted in his adoption of Buddhism and a change in his approach to ruling. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the name given to Bindusara by the Greeks?

<p>Amitrochates (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinction between the "Physical Conquest" and "Cultural Conquest" of Ashoka?

<p>Physical conquest refers to his military expansion, while cultural conquest refers to his religious influence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the major significance of the Ashokan Edicts?

<p>They are the earliest examples of inscriptions in India. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options are NOT included as the elements of Ashoka's Major Rock Edicts?

<p>Minor Rock Edicts (B), Writings on Rock (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are the Brahmagiri Edicts located?

<p>Karnataka (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Delhi-Topra Pillar Edict?

<p>It is the only edict that uses only one language and script. (B), It is the only edict with the 7th inscription. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Sarnath pillar?

<p>It was declared the National Emblem of India. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ashoka's Major Rock Edicts were written in various languages, which of these WAS NOT a language used?

<p>Sanskrit (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the title 'Devon ka Priya'?

<p>Beloved of the gods (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Kalinga war in Ashoka's reign?

<p>It led to Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Barabar Hill Caves?

<p>They were built by Ashoka for Buddhist monks. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was the last ruler of the Mauryan dynasty?

<p>Brihadratha (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the provided text, what is the significance of the 'Dhammaparivartan'?

<p>The adoption of buddhism as a personal philosophy by Asoka. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Kautilya’s Arthashastra

An ancient Indian treatise on statecraft and military strategy authored by Kautilya (Chanakya).

Mudrarakshasa

A play by Vishakhadatta that illustrates the rise of Chandragupta Maurya and his struggles against Dhanananda's rule.

Mauryan Dynasty Founder

Chandragupta Maurya, who overthrew Dhanananda and established the Mauryan Empire in 322 BC.

Ashoka's Reign Duration

Ashoka ruled for 12 years, from approximately 268 BC to 232 BC.

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Kalinga War

A significant battle fought by Ashoka around 261 BC, which led to his conversion to Buddhism.

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Ashokan Edicts

Inscriptions created by Ashoka, found on rocks and pillars, promoting moral and ethical governance.

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Bindusara’s Greek Name

Bindusara was referred to as Amitrochates by the Greeks, known for patronizing Ajivikas.

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Sources of Mauryan History

Literary sources include Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Megasthenes' Indica, and various Buddhist texts.

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King in Sanskrit

The term for 'king' in Sanskrit is 'Raja'.

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Secretary's title

The title of the secretary in ancient India was 'Amartya'.

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Term for Territory

In ancient India, a territory was referred to as 'Janpada'.

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Define Fort

In ancient times, a fort was called 'Durga'.

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Treasury term

The term for treasure or wealth in ancient India is 'Kosha'.

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Army in Sanskrit

The word for army in Sanskrit is 'Sena'.

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Chief treasury officer

The chief treasury officer was known as 'Sannidhata'.

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Civil court in ancient India

The civil court was termed 'Dharmastya Nyayalaya'.

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Methods for ranking in society

Types of sacrifices included Vajapeya, Rajasuya, and Ashwamedha.

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Ancient Indian society structure

Society was divided into four varnas, later expanded to seven varnas.

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Major Rock Edicts

Total of 14 inscriptions by Ashoka conveying moral teachings.

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Prakrit Language

The major language used in Ashoka's edicts.

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Brahmi and Kharoshti

Scripts used in Ashoka's inscriptions.

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Devanami

A title meaning 'beloved of the Gods' used by Ashoka.

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Saptanga Theory

Kautilya's theory describing 7 elements for governance.

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Pillar Edicts

Seven important edicts displayed on pillars.

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Barabar Hill Caves

Caves built by Ashoka for Buddhist monks.

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Brihadratha

Last ruler of the Maurya Dynasty defeated by Pushyamitra Sunga.

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Lomas Rishi Caves

Another set of caves built for Buddhist usage in Bihar by Ashoka.

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Study Notes

Mauryan Empire

  • Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Dynasty
  • Chandragupta Maurya defeated Dhanananda (last Nanda ruler)
  • Chandragupta Maurya, with the help of Kautilya (also known as Chanakya/Vishnugupta), united most of the Indian subcontinent
  • Bindusara was Chandragupta's son
  • Bindusara was known as Amitrochates by the Greeks
  • Ashoka was Bindusara's son

Origin of Mauryans

  • According to Puranas, the Mauryas were of Shudra origin.
  • According to Mudrarakshasa, they were of Vrishal/Kulhina origin.
  • According to the Junagarh Rock Inscription, they were of Vaishya origin.

Mauryan Rulers

  • Dhanananda, the last Nanda ruler, lost to Chandragupta Maurya in 322 BCE
  • Chandragupta Maurya defeated Seleucus Nicator, a general of Alexander the Great

Ashoka

  • Ruled for 12 years (ending in 261 BCE)
  • Fought the Kalinga War
  • Adopted Buddhism
  • Physical Conquest, Cultural Conquest
  • Had edicts written on pillars and rocks across India
  • Edicts are written in Prakrit, with Brahmi and Kharoshti scripts
  • Edicts are found in rocks and pillars (14 major, 15 minor rock edicts)

Ashokan Edicts

  • Found in two places: Rocks and Pillars
  • Major Rocks: 14
  • Minor Rocks: 15
  • Major language: Prakrit
  • Scripts used: Brahmi & Kharoshti
  • 7 Pillar Edicts

Administration

  • Saptanga Theory of Kautilya: Seven essential elements of administration (Raja, Amartya, Janpada, Durga, Kosha, Sena, Mitra)
  • Officers: Sanidhata (chief treasury), Samharata (revenue collector)
  • Two types of courts (Dharmastya Nyayalaya, Kantakashodhan Nyayalaya)
  • Local administration: Gopa, Akshapatalik, Nagara, Sitadhyaksah, Samshthadhyksah, Navaadhyaksha, Shulkadhyaksha, Dhamma Mahamattas ("New post"),
  • Municipal Administration: 6 committees of 5 members each (per Megasthenes)

Provincial Administration

  • Northern, Central, Western, Eastern Provinces
  • 6 committees + 5 members each province

Society and Economy

  • Society of four varnas (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra)
  • No slavery, but division into (7) varnas
  • Ashoka reduced taxes

Other Key Information

  • Names and titles of people from the time
  • Important locations (e.g., Sarnath, Rampura, etc)
  • Types of significant sacrifices done at the time

Additional Info

  • The Mauryan Empire existed from 322 BCE to 185 BCE (approx).
  • Key figures (like Ashoka) and their actions are mentioned in the notes.

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