Mauryan Empire (322 BCE – 185 BCE)
Delhi Police Exam History Section
1. Introduction
The Mauryan Empire was the first largest and fully centralized empire in Indian history.
It was founded by Chandragupta Maurya under the guidance of Chanakya (Kautilya).
Source of major administrative knowledge = Arthashastra (written by Kautilya).
Capital → Pataliputra
2. Sources of Mauryan History
Arthashastra – Kautilya
Indica – Megasthenes (Greek ambassador in court of Chandragupta)
Ashokan inscriptions & rock edicts
Buddhist texts
3. Important Mauryan Rulers
| Ruler | Features / Achievements |
|---|---|
| Chandragupta Maurya | Defeated Nandas, established empire, defeated Seleucus; Megasthenes came during his reign |
| Bindusara | Expanded empire southwards; known as "Amitraghata" |
| Ashoka (Greatest Mauryan King) | Kalinga War → adopted Buddhism; spread Dhamma; issued rock & pillar edicts; sent missionaries to Sri Lanka |
4. Administration (Important for Exams)
Mauryan rule = Highly Centralised
King = supreme authority
Departments and ministers for each function
Spy system → very strong (as per Arthashastra)
Provincial administration handled by governors
Revenue majorly collected from land tax
5. Ashoka & Dhamma
After Kalinga War, Ashoka adopted non-violence, compassion, tolerance.
He spread Buddhism but did not force conversion.
His inscriptions/edicts found in → Kalsi, Girnar, Dhauli, Sanchi, Sarnath, Kandahar etc.
Symbol now on Indian Emblem: Lion Capital of Sarnath
6. Decline of Mauryas
Reasons:
Weak successors after Ashoka
Huge empire too hard to manage
Financial burden due to non-expansion policy
Breakdown of central authority
Last ruler: Brihadratha (killed by Pushyamitra Shunga)
Quick Recap
First major empire in India → Mauryan Empire
Founder → Chandragupta Maurya
Source → Arthashastra, Indica
Greatest ruler → Ashoka
Kalinga War → turning point; Ashoka adopted Dhamma
Lion Capital of Ashoka = National Emblem of India
Sample Questions
Who founded the Mauryan Empire?
Options: (a) Bindusara (b) Ashoka (c) Chandragupta Maurya (d) Pushyamitra Shunga
View Answer
C. Chandragupta Maurya
Megasthenes wrote which book?
Options: (a) Arthashastra (b) Indica (c) Rasaratnakar (d) Mudrarakshasa
View Answer
B. Indica
Which war changed Ashoka's life completely?
Options: (a) Takshashila War (b) Kalinga War (c) Panipat War (d) Plassey War
View Answer
B. Kalinga War
The Lion Capital of Ashoka is located at:
Options: (a) Sanchi (b) Sarnath (c) Pataliputra (d) Ujjain
View Answer
B. Sarnath
Previous Year Questions (Delhi Police / SSC)
Who was the Greek ambassador in Chandragupta Maurya's court?
Year: SSC CGL
View Answer
Megasthenes
Ashoka's inscriptions are written in which script mainly in North India?
Year: SSC GD
View Answer
Brahmi
Who was known as Amitraghata (Slayer of enemies)?
Year: SSC CHSL
View Answer
Bindusara
Which Mauryan ruler embraced Buddhism after Kalinga War?
Year: Delhi Police
View Answer
Ashoka
You've completed Mauryan Empire Concepts!
Courage Tip: Focus on the key rulers - Chandragupta (founder), Bindusara (Amitraghata), and Ashoka (greatest ruler). Remember that the Kalinga War was the turning point that led Ashoka to embrace Buddhism and Dhamma. The Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath is now India's national emblem. Arthashastra and Indica are crucial sources for Mauryan history.
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