The Mauryan Empire — Question 2
Back to all questionsWith 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 Ashoka's change of heart and consequences of the same.
(c) Name four important ways in which Buddhism spread under the royal patronage during the Mauryan times.
(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 death and destruction caused by the Kalinga war had a profound effect on the policies and personality of Ashoka.
Ashoka's Change of Heart and Its Consequences —
- He abandoned the policy of 'conquest by force' (bherigosha) and ambition of 'victory in all directions' (Digvijay) and embraced the policy of religion (Dhammagosha).
- Ashoka stopped hunting and eating meat and abandoned the life of luxury.
- The prisoners of war were used for agricultural work. It resulted in an increase in production and brought about economic prosperity in his empire.
- Ashoka, after the Kalinga war, embraced Buddhism and followed the Buddhist principles in his state policy like non-violence and disapproval of empty rituals. He also sent various missionaries to various parts of the world to propagate Buddhism.
- On account of abandonment of war, there was a decline in military preparedness and efficiency.
(c) Four important ways in which Buddhism spread under the royal patronage during the Mauryan times were:
- Huge donations were given by Mauryan kings to Buddhist Viharas.
- 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.
- Ashoka himself went on tours to preach Buddhism to people. He also sent missionaries to various parts of the world.
- Ashoka sent his daughter, Sanghamitra and son, Mahindra to Sri Lanka to propagate Buddhism.
Chapter Overview: The Mauryan Empire
The Mauryan Empire (c. 322–185 BCE) was the first large-scale centralised empire in Indian history, founded by Chandragupta Maurya with the guidance of his mentor Chanakya (Kautilya). Chandragupta overthrew the Nanda dynasty and built an empire stretching from Afghanistan to Bengal. Kautilya’s Arthashastra provides detailed knowledge of Mauryan administration, economy, and statecraft.
Ashoka, the greatest Mauryan emperor, initially expanded the empire through conquest but was transformed by the horror of the Kalinga War (261 BCE). He adopted Buddhism and propagated Dhamma (moral law) through rock and pillar edicts across the empire. Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma emphasised non-violence, tolerance, respect for elders, and welfare of subjects. The Mauryan Empire featured a sophisticated bureaucracy, a large standing army, and extensive road networks. After Ashoka’s death, the empire declined due to weak successors and the last Mauryan ruler was assassinated by his general Pushyamitra Shunga in 185 BCE.
Board Exam Weightage: 6-7 marks | Difficulty: Moderate
Key Rulers & Events
| Ruler | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Chandragupta Maurya | Founded the empire; defeated Seleucus; guided by Chanakya |
| Bindusara | Expanded southward; called Amitraghata (slayer of enemies) |
| Ashoka | Kalinga War (261 BCE); adopted Buddhism; Dhamma policy; rock/pillar edicts |
Must-Know Concepts
- Arthashastra: Written by Kautilya; treatise on statecraft, economy, military strategy, and governance
- Ashoka’s Dhamma: Not a religion but a moral code — non-violence, tolerance, respect for elders, welfare of subjects, religious harmony
- Rock & Pillar Edicts: Inscribed in Prakrit (Brahmi script); communicated Ashoka’s policies to the people
- Administration: King at centre, provinces (headed by princes), districts, and villages; spies (gudhapurushas) for intelligence
- Kalinga War: Bloodiest conquest; 100,000 killed, 150,000 deported; Ashoka renounced war and embraced Buddhism
- Decline: Weak successors, financial burden of large bureaucracy, division of empire, Pushyamitra Shunga’s coup
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Stating that Ashoka’s Dhamma was Buddhism — it was a broader moral code, not a specific religion
- Confusing Chanakya (author of Arthashastra) with Megasthenes (Greek ambassador who wrote Indica)
- Writing that Ashoka became non-violent before the Kalinga War — the war caused his transformation
- Forgetting to mention sources: Arthashastra, Indica (Megasthenes), Ashoka’s edicts
Scoring Tips
- For Ashoka questions, always discuss: before Kalinga (conqueror), Kalinga War (turning point), after Kalinga (Dhamma propagator)
- Mention specific sources (Arthashastra, Indica, edicts) to demonstrate source-based understanding
- Describe Mauryan administration in a hierarchical format: king → provinces → districts → villages
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Ashoka’s Dhamma?
Dhamma was Ashoka’s code of moral conduct applicable to all people regardless of religion. It promoted non-violence, respect for all religions, obedience to parents, generosity to Brahmins and monks, and humane treatment of servants and animals.
What was the significance of the Kalinga War?
The massive bloodshed deeply affected Ashoka. He abandoned the policy of conquest (Digvijaya) for the policy of moral victory (Dhammavijaya), spreading Buddhism and non-violence across his empire and beyond.
Why did the Mauryan Empire decline?
Weak successors after Ashoka could not maintain the vast empire. The large bureaucracy and army were financially draining. Provincial governors became semi-independent, and Pushyamitra Shunga assassinated the last ruler in 185 BCE.