The Mauryan Empire — Question 5
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(a) Ashokan edict is depicted in the given picture.
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 inscriptions on these edicts provide us the most accurate records and information about the life, ideals and political scenario of Mauryan empire, Ashoka in particular. 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.
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.