SSC CGL Preparation – Day 2

📚 History – The Mauryan Empire

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✨ Introduction

• The Mauryan Empire was the first and the largest empire in ancient India.
• Founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 321 BCE, with its capital at Pataliputra (modern Patna).
• It marked the first time most of the Indian subcontinent was united under one government.

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🛡️ Founders and Important Rulers

Ruler	Reign	Contributions
Chandragupta Maurya	321–297 BCE	– Founder of the Mauryan dynasty – Defeated Dhanananda (Nanda dynasty) – Defeated Seleucus I (Greek ruler)
Bindusara	297–273 BCE	– Son of Chandragupta Maurya – Known as “Amitraghata” (Slayer of enemies) – Expanded the empire further
Ashoka the Great	273–232 BCE	– Most famous Mauryan ruler – Known for the Kalinga War and his embrace of Buddhism – Promoted Dhamma (moral law)

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🏛️ Sources of Information about the Mauryan Empire

• Arthashastra by Kautilya (Chanakya): Book on administration, politics, and economics.
• Indica by Megasthenes: Account by a Greek ambassador to Chandragupta’s court.
• Ashokan Edicts: Inscriptions on pillars, rocks, and caves spreading Ashoka’s policies and messages.
• Buddhist texts: Divyavadana, Mahavamsa.

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📜 Administration

• Highly centralized bureaucracy.
• King was the supreme authority.
• The empire was divided into provinces (Pradeshas) headed by a Kumara (Prince).
• Important officers:
  • Mantriparishad: Council of Ministers.
  • Amatyas: Civil servants.
  • Dandapala: Police chief.
  • Samaharta: Revenue officer.
• Spy System: A highly developed espionage network.

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🏹 Military

• A huge standing army with:
  • 6 lakh infantry
  • 30,000 cavalry
  • 9,000 elephants
  • 8,000 chariots
    (as per Megasthenes)
• Controlled by a Board of 30 members, divided into six committees.

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💰 Economy

• Agriculture was the mainstay.
• Heavy reliance on land revenue.
• State-controlled economy with regulation of trade, markets, and professions.
• Developed an extensive road network for trade and administration.
• Coins: Silver punch-marked coins were in use.

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🛕 Religion and Culture

• Initially followed Hinduism and Jainism.
• Ashoka later adopted and spread Buddhism.
• Ashoka’s Dhamma emphasized:
  • Non-violence (Ahimsa)
  • Respect for elders
  • Tolerance among religions
  • Kindness to animals
• Art and Architecture:
  • Ashokan Pillars (e.g., Sarnath Lion Capital – now India’s National Emblem).
  • Stupas (e.g., Sanchi Stupa).
  • Rock-cut caves (e.g., Barabar caves).

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⚔️ Important Events

• Kalinga War (261 BCE):
  • Fought between the Mauryan Empire and the state of Kalinga (modern Odisha).
  • Led to massive bloodshed.
  • Deeply affected Ashoka, leading him to embrace Buddhism.
• Treaty with Seleucus I:
  • Chandragupta Maurya defeated Seleucus.
  • Marriage alliance (Seleucus’s daughter married Chandragupta).
  • Chandragupta received territories (parts of Afghanistan and Baluchistan).

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📉 Decline of the Mauryan Empire

• After Ashoka’s death (232 BCE), the empire weakened.
• Successors were weak and inefficient.
• Large territory became hard to manage.
• Financial burden due to Ashoka’s welfare measures.
• Brihadratha, the last Mauryan ruler, was killed by his commander-in-chief Pushyamitra Shunga in 185 BCE, marking the end of the Mauryan dynasty.

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📍 Quick Facts

• Capital: Pataliputra
• Major Cities: Taxila, Ujjain, Tosali
• State Religion during Ashoka: Buddhism
• Sculptures: Lion Capital of Ashoka (Sarnath)
• Language of Inscriptions: Mostly Prakrit written in Brahmi script

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🧠 Memory Hacks

Shortcut	Helps Remember
“Chandragupta – Chief Founder”	Founder of Mauryan Empire
“Bindusara – Builder of Empire”	Expansion under Bindusara
“Ashoka – Apostle of Buddhism”	Ashoka spread Buddhism

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📜 Important Terms and Books

• Arthashastra → Chanakya’s guide on administration.
• Dhamma → Ashoka’s policy of moral law.
• Rock Edicts → Inscriptions by Ashoka propagating Dhamma.
• Stupa → Buddhist monument built to house relics.

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🏆 Summary

• First empire to unify India.
• Set models of administration, economy, and governance.
• Promoted peace and spread Buddhism internationally (e.g., Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia).
• A golden chapter of ancient Indian history.