Mauryan Empire

Chanakya, also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, was the advisor and prime minister of Chandragupta Maurya. He authored the Arthashastra, a treatise on statecraft, and is considered one of the greatest political strategists in Indian history.

The Arthashastra was written by Kautilya (Chanakya). It covers governance, economic policy, military strategy, and foreign policy. It is considered one of the greatest works on political economy in the ancient world.

Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador sent by Seleucus I Nicator to the court of Chandragupta Maurya. He wrote 'Indica', an account of India's geography, culture, and Mauryan administration, which is a key source for Mauryan history.

Ashoka fought the Kalinga War around 261 BCE (the 8th year of his reign). The massive bloodshed in the war caused approximately 100,000 deaths and led to Ashoka's transformation and his adoption of Buddhism and Dhamma.

Ashoka's Dhamma was based on non-violence (ahimsa), religious tolerance, compassion, truthfulness, and respect for elders. He propagated these principles through rock edicts and pillar edicts across his empire.

Pataliputra (modern Patna, Bihar) was the capital of the Mauryan Empire. It was a grand city on the banks of the Ganga and described by Megasthenes as one of the largest cities in the world at that time.

The Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath (erected to commemorate Buddha's first sermon) has been adopted as the National Emblem of India. The Dharma Chakra from this capital also appears on the Indian national flag.

Brihadratha was the last ruler of the Mauryan Empire. He was assassinated by his own commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Shunga, around 185 BCE, who then founded the Shunga dynasty, ending Mauryan rule.

Ashoka's edicts were primarily written in Brahmi script (left to right) in most of India, and Kharosthi script (right to left) in the northwest. Some edicts in border areas were also written in Greek and Aramaic scripts.

Chandragupta Maurya defeated Seleucus I Nicator (a general of Alexander who controlled the eastern territories after Alexander's death) around 305 BCE. After this treaty, Seleucus gave up territories including modern Afghanistan and sent Megasthenes as his ambassador.

Ashoka sent his son Mahendra (Mahinda) and daughter Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka to spread Buddhism. Mahendra converted the Sri Lankan king Devanampiya Tissa, and Sanghamitra brought a sapling of the Bodhi tree to Sri Lanka.

The Mauryan Empire was divided into provinces called Chakras or Rashtra, administered by royal princes as governors (Kumar/Aryaputra). Below provinces were districts (Ahara/Vishaya), and below that, villages (Grama) administered by Gramika.

Major Rock Edict XIII is the most important edict as it describes Ashoka's grief after the Kalinga War, his conversion to Buddhism, and his policy of Dhamma (non-violence, tolerance, compassion). It is inscribed at several sites.

Bindusara was known as 'Amitraghata' (Slayer of Enemies) in Indian sources and 'Amitrochates' in Greek sources. He expanded the Mauryan Empire southward but did not conquer Kalinga.

The Arthashastra was rediscovered and translated into English in 1909 by R. Shamasastry, the librarian of the Oriental Research Institute, Mysore. The original manuscript was written on palm leaves.

Chandragupta Maurya converted to Jainism at the end of his life, renounced his throne, and migrated to Shravanabelagola in Karnataka with the Jain monk Bhadrabahu. He is said to have observed Santhara (fasting unto death) there.

The Sanchi Stupa was originally commissioned by Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. It is one of the oldest stone structures in India and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stupa contains relics of the Buddha.

The Mauryan economy was based on agriculture (land revenue was the main source of income), extensive internal and external trade, and systematic taxation. The Arthashastra describes detailed revenue administration including taxes on land, trade, and crafts.

Indica by Megasthenes is the most important foreign account of the Mauryan Empire. Megasthenes served as Seleucid ambassador to Chandragupta Maurya's court and described Indian society, geography, and Mauryan administration in detail.

Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire in 322 BCE after overthrowing the Nanda dynasty with the help of Chanakya.

Megasthenes, a Greek diplomat sent by Seleucus I Nicator, wrote the famous account 'Indica' while at the court of Chandragupta Maurya.

Chanakya, the author of Arthashastra, was also known as Vishnugupta and Kautilya.

Bindusara, the son of Chandragupta, was referred to as 'Amitraghata' in Greek sources.

The Kalinga War, a turning point in Ashoka's life, took place in the 8th year of his coronation (c. 261 BCE).

The majority of Ashoka's edicts found within India were written in the Brahmi script and Prakrit language.

The Samaharta was the chief collector of revenue, while the Sannidhata was the treasurer.

Arthashastra is a comprehensive treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy.

Ashoka sent his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka to propagate Buddhism.

Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) served as the grand capital of the Mauryan Empire.

Dhamma-mahamattas were special officers appointed by Ashoka to propagate and ensure the practice of Dhamma.

The Lion Capital of Ashoka was originally placed atop the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath.

Brihadratha was the last Mauryan ruler, who was assassinated by his own commander, Pushyamitra Shunga.

The Mauryan Empire had four main provinces: Taxila (North), Ujjain (West), Tosali (East), and Suvarnagiri (South). Mathura was not a provincial capital.

The 13th Rock Edict provides detailed information about the Kalinga War and Ashoka's subsequent remorse.

The Gramika was the head of the village in the Mauryan administrative hierarchy.

The Sannidhata was the Chief Treasurer, responsible for the state treasury and storehouses.

The Sohgaura Copper Plate inscription mentions the storage of grains to combat famine in the Mauryan period.

Ashokan inscriptions found in Kandahar (modern Afghanistan) are bilingual, written in Greek and Aramaic.

According to Jain tradition, Chandragupta abdicated his throne to follow the Jain monk Bhadrabahu to Shravanabelagola, where he died by Sallekhana.