1. Administration During Mauryan Period
1.1. Background of Administration
1.2. The Empire
1.3. Central Government
1.4. Military Administration
1.5. Justice System
1.6. Local Administration
1.7. Revenue Administration
1.8. Espionage
1.9. Economy
1.10. Trade
2. Ashoka’s Dhamma
2.1. Dhamma
2.2. Ashoka and his Dhamma (Edicts)
2.3. The Mauryan State and Dhamma
3. Ashoka Inscription
3.1. Characteristics
3.2. Major Rock Edicts
3.3. Minor Rock Edicts
3.4. Pillar Edicts
3.5. Some other Important Inscriptions
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Topic – Administration of Mauryas; Ashoka’s Dhamma Policy (Notes)
Subject – History
(Ancient Indian History)
Table of Contents
Administration During Mauryan Period
The Mauryan Dynasty, which ruled over the bulk of India from 321 BCE to 185 BCE, was the first pan-Indian empire. It included parts of central and northern India, as well as what is now Iran. The Mauryan Empire had a well-organised and centralised administration. Chanakya’s work, Arthashastra, is the most important source of knowledge on the Mauryan Empire’s administration. In his work Indika, Megasthenes also provides some information.
- Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Megasthenes’ Indica, and Ashoka’s edicts are among the literary works that provide light on this period’s history.
- Chandragupta defeated Dhana Nanda in 321 BC, with the help of a shrewd and politically astute Brahmin.
- The Maurya Empire was established in the Magadha territory under the leadership of Chandragupta Maurya and his mentor Chanakya. Chanakya accompanied Chandragupta to Taxila to study about government and statecraft.
- Chandragupta needed an army, so he enlisted the help of minor military republics such as the Yaudheyas, who had fought against Alexander’s Empire.
- In the Indian subcontinent’s northwestern region, the Mauryan army quickly came to prominence as a regional force.
- Chandragupta’s beginnings are shrouded in obscurity.
- He is identified as having non-warrior lineage in the oldest Greek sources.
- According to Hindu traditions, he was a poor Kautilya follower (probably born to a Shudra woman). He was a Kshatriya, according to most Buddhist sources.
Background of Administration
- The Mauryan dynasty was recognised for establishing monarchy in India. The Mauryan administration is described in depth in Kautilya’s Arthashastra.
- This was seen to be the most reliable source for information about the Mauryan administration.
- Megasthenes Indica, like Arthashastra, sheds insight on the Mauryan government, economics, trade, and society.
- Chandragupta Maurya established the Mauryan empire in 322 BCE, which lasted until 180 BCE. Except for Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the Mauryan empire spanned the whole Indian subcontinent.
- The Mauryan government had a large bureaucracy that was responsible for many aspects of life.
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