Mauryan Empire- Overview, Rulers, Architectural Advancement

An Overview Of The Mauryan Empire

Originating from the Indo-Gangetic plains with Pataliputra, the pan-Indian empire stretched from the Amu Darya to the delta of river Kaveri. Literary sources such as Brahmanical and Buddhist literature (Puranas and Jatakas) document the events during that particular timeline. The Jatakas include stories referencing the Mauryan dynasty. The Mahavamsa and Dipavamsa chronicle the radical transformation seen in Ashoka after embracing Buddhism and his part in spreading the religion. Kautilya (Chanakya’s) Arthashastra talks about the economic policies, military strategies, the concept of spying on the neighbouring countries and statecraft, including negotiation predominantly used during the Chandragupta Maurya reign. Established in 321 BC by Chandragupta Maurya, the Mudrarakshasha encapsulates the ascend of the Mauryan Empire with the aid of his advisor, Chanakya. The administrative system of the empire was well-functioning in the sense that certain able-bodied officials were in charge of the administrative department.

Chanakya’s records mention the Saptanga theory in the Mauryan administration. The emperor, assisted by his Mantri Parishad, was the head of administration with it being branched out into;

The Provinces or the Chakras
The Districts or the Ahars
Group of Villages or the Sangrahana
The Village or the Gram, with the Nagarak presiding over the municipal administration.

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Rulers Of The Mauryan Empire

Here’s a list of all the emperors of the Mauryan empire according to the year of their reign.

Emperors Of The Mauryan Empire	Year Of Their Reign
Chandragupta Maurya	322 – 298 BCE
Bindusara	298 – 272 BCE
Ashoka	268 -232 BCE
Dasharatha	232 -224 BCE
Samprati	224 – 215 BCE
Shalishuka	215 -202 BCE
Devavarman	202 – 195 BCE
Shatadhanvan	195 – 187 BCE
Brihadratha	187 – 180 BCE

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Architectural Advancement During The Reign Of The Mauryan Empire

Excavation groups have helped discover the ruins of the once impressive palace at Pataliputra in present-day Patna. Considered to be one of the greatest monuments of the Mauryan empire, the palace was primarily built of timber consisting of several buildings with a colossal pillared arena. According to the written records, the construction of this particular monument surpasses those of the royal palaces of Susa and Ecbatana, both in grandeur and elegance. Chanakya’s Arthrashastra gives a detailed account of the structural planning of the palace during the Mauryan era.

By the time Ashoka took over, stone masonry was becoming quite popular. The distinctive usage of stone masonry during the Mauryan era can be seen in several stupa railings, free-standing pillars, including the Pillars of Ashoka, and for lion thrones and other such impressive figures and sculptures. The Dharmarajika stupa in Taxila, Lomas Rishi cave (3rd Century BCE), exemplifies the ruins of architecture found during the era of the Mauryan Empire. Ashoka built a considerable amount of stupas after embracing Buddhism in Sanchi, Amaravati, Nagarjunakonda, Bharhut and Bodhgaya with broad domes and symbols of Buddha inscribed on them.

Social Status Of The People Under The Regime Of The Mauryan Empire

Upon analyzing the status of the people under the Mauryan Empire, it is evident that although Ashoka did embrace Buddhism and followed the path of ahimsa, there was not much he did against the prevalent caste system in India. Although he did pursue the policies of Buddha, the administrative structure depicts that it was more in lieu with the olden Vedic tradition. In spite of being a Buddhist, Ashoka was not able to eradicate the caste system not put an end to slavery, for that matter. Perhaps angering the upper castes might have put an end to his peaceful reign, with the Brahmins and Kshatriyas creating a ruckus that would put the Mauryan empire in turmoil, resulting in civil war.

As per the records of the Greek Historian Megasthenes(c.350 BC -c.290 BC), he mentions the recognition of the seven castes based on profession rather than of ancestry. The seven castes (occupation wise)included Philosophers, Farmers, Soldiers, Herdsmen, Craftsmen, and Magistrates. Some were trained for the administrative positions in the kingdom and other high ranking positions, including bodyguards. The royals religiously practised polygamy, but the common man could only marry another woman if there were no male heir. Women inherited land upon marriage which often went as Stridhana(marriage dowry). Under the Mauryan empire, all offenses committed against women were punishable by law, creating a safe environment for them to live in.

Religious Practices Of The Mauryan Empire

The advent of the Mauryan empire from Pataliputra encouraged the influence of Jainism alongside Buddhism and Brahmanism. Chandragupta Maurya was a staunch follower of the faith of Mahavira Jain that after retiring from his Kingly duties, he renounced his material possessions and observed the self-cleansing ritual of Santhara, which meant he fasted to his death. However, his son Ashoka became an ardent believer of Buddhism after the Kalinga war. Ashoka then wanted to avoid bloodshed at all costs and preserve the social order among the people.

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Impressed by the religious ideals of Buddhism, he sent his children to Ceylon and Nepal to spread the faith. Ashoka, the Constantine of Buddhism, constructed several monasteries and schools to spread the Buddhist literature across empires. Some were trained for the administrative positions in the kingdom and other high ranking positions, including bodyguards. Furthermore, women took up administrative positions in the kingdom and other high ranking positions, including being bodyguards for the King. The third Buddhist Council was held in Pataliputra (c. 250 BC), the meet which reformed and expanded the spread of the religion.

Conclusion

As with any dynasty, the prime reason behind the decline of the Mauryan empire was the succession of weak kings who were unable to hold on to the legacy left by their predecessors. The centralisation of the Mauryan administration also proved to be another cause for the ruin of the empire, along with the minor to major disruptions that eventually led to the split of the empire into smaller independent states.

FAQs

How long did the Mauryan Empire last?

The reign of the Mauryan Empire lasted from circa 321 BCE to circa 185 BCE.

Who was the founder of the Mauryan Empire?

Chandragupta Maurya established the Mauryan Dynasty in 321 BC.

Which emperor is referred to as the Constantine of Buddhism?

Ashoka the Great is often referred to as the Constantine of Buddhism.

Who was the ambassador of Seleucus sent to the courts of Chandragupta Maurya?

The Greek historian and diplomat Megasthenes was sent as an ambassador from Seleucus to the courts of Chandragupta Maurya.

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