Ancient Chapters

1. Harappan Indus Civilization2. Vedic Culture3. Mahajanapada Period4. Religious Movements (Ancient)5. Maurya Period6. Post Maurya Pre Gupta Period7. The Sangam Period8. Gupta Period9. Post Gupta Period Vardhana Dynasty

Maurya Period (322–185 BCE)

“The Mauryan Empire was the first pan-Indian empire that laid the foundation for centralized governance and efficient administration.”

Origin and Expansion

  • Founder: Chandragupta Maurya (with the help of Chanakya/Kautilya)
  • Capital: Pataliputra
  • Overthrew the last Nanda ruler Dhanananda around 322 BCE
  • Defeated Seleucus I (a Greek ruler) and signed a treaty – received territories in exchange for 500 elephants

Important Rulers

1. Chandragupta Maurya (322–298 BCE)

  • Founder of the Maurya Empire
  • Guided by Kautilya (author of Arthashastra)
  • Established centralized administration
  • Converted to Jainism later and died at Shravanabelagola

2. Bindusara (298–273 BCE)

  • Son of Chandragupta Maurya
  • Expanded empire towards South India
  • Known to the Greeks as "Amitrochates" (Slayer of enemies)

3. Ashoka the Great (273–232 BCE)

  • Most famous Mauryan ruler
  • Fought the Kalinga war (261 BCE) – turned towards Buddhism after witnessing bloodshed
  • Introduced the policy of Dhamma (moral teachings)
  • Promoted non-violence, tolerance, and welfare of all beings
  • Sent missionaries to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia (his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra)
  • Inscriptions on rocks and pillars (in Brahmi script and Prakrit language)

Administration and Economy

  • Highly centralized system – King was supreme
  • Arthashastra by Kautilya: Source of Mauryan administration, espionage, taxation, justice, and economy
  • Revenue: From agriculture, trade, and taxes
  • Military: Strong standing army and spy system
  • Municipal administration: Described by Megasthenes in *Indica*

Ashoka’s Dhamma

Ashoka’s Dhamma was a set of moral and ethical principles aimed at ensuring peace, tolerance, and welfare:

  • Respect for elders and parents
  • Tolerance of all religions
  • Non-violence towards animals and humans
  • Welfare of people – medical care, tree planting, rest houses
  • Appointed Dhamma Mahamatras to spread his message

Decline of Mauryan Empire

  • After Ashoka, successors were weak
  • Empire became too large to manage
  • Economic strain due to welfare activities
  • Last ruler: Brihadratha – killed by Pushyamitra Shunga (founder of Shunga dynasty)

Previous Year Questions

  • SSC CGL 2016: Who was the founder of the Mauryan Empire?
  • Chandragupta Maurya
  • RRB NTPC 2019: What was the name of Ashoka's son who spread Buddhism in Sri Lanka?
  • Mahendra
  • HSSC 2020: Which language and script were used in Ashokan inscriptions?
  • Prakrit and Brahmi
  • SSC JE 2021: Who wrote the Arthashastra?
  • Kautilya / Chanakya
  • SSC GD 2020: Which ruler adopted Buddhism after Kalinga War?
  • Ashoka
  • RRB ALP 2018: Where did Chandragupta Maurya spend his last days?
  • Shravanabelagola
  • SSC CHSL 2022: Who was known as “Amitrochates” in Greek texts?
  • Bindusara
  • UPSC Prelims 2021: Who was the last ruler of Mauryan Empire?
  • Brihadratha
  • SSC CGL 2018: Who was the foreign ambassador in Chandragupta’s court?
  • Megasthenes
  • RRB Group D 2022: What is the meaning of “Dhamma” as promoted by Ashoka?
  • Moral duties and social responsibilities
  • HSSC 2021: What is the Arthashastra mainly about?
  • Politics and Administration
  • SSC JE 2020: Who succeeded Ashoka?
  • Dasharatha Maurya
  • SSC MTS 2023: Where was the Kalinga war fought?
  • Kalinga (modern Odisha)
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