Mauryan Empire
Essential Concepts for SSC GD Exams
1. Introduction
The Mauryan Empire was India's first major empire, founded after Alexander's invasion, known for strong central administration, efficient military system, Ashoka's Dhamma policy, and development in trade, roads, and infrastructure.
Simple Definition
The Mauryan Empire was the first big political and administrative empire in ancient India, founded by Chandragupta Maurya and expanded greatly by Ashoka.
2. Major Rulers of Mauryan Empire
| King | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Chandragupta Maurya | Founder, defeated Nandas, united North India |
| Bindusara | Expanded empire southwards |
| Ashoka | Greatest ruler, Kalinga War, Dhamma, spread of Buddhism |
Memory Trick:
"C → B → A" (Chandragupta → Bindusara → Ashoka)
3. Sources of Mauryan History
| Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Arthashastra | By Chanakya (Kautilya) – administration, politics |
| Indica | By Megasthenes – Greek ambassador's account |
| Ashoka's Edicts | Inscriptions on rocks and pillars |
| Puranas | Genealogy of kings |
Memory Trick:
"A-I-E-P" → Arthashastra, Indica, Edicts, Puranas
4. Chandragupta Maurya (322–298 BCE)
Founder of the Mauryan Empire
Key Points
- Mentored by Chanakya (Kautilya)
- Defeated Dhana Nanda of Nanda Dynasty
- Ended Greek rule of Seleucus Nicator
- Marriage with Seleucus' daughter
- Received 500 war elephants in treaty
- Established strong central administration
Administration under Chandragupta
- Council of ministers
- Strong army
- Spies system
- Taxation system
Important City
Pataliputra → Capital
5. Bindusara (298–273 BCE)
Son of Chandragupta Maurya
Key Points
- Expanded the empire to Deccan region
- Known as Amitraghata (Destroyer of foes)
- Maintained good relations with Greek kings
- Not much historical data compared to Chandragupta & Ashoka
6. Ashoka the Great (273–232 BCE)
Greatest emperor of ancient India
1. Kalinga War (261 BCE)
War Details:
- War fought between Mauryas & Kalinga (Odisha)
Effects:
- Ashoka saw the destruction
- Gave up violence
- Adopted Buddhism
- Started Dhamma policy
- Spread peace, welfare, and non-violence
Expected SSC Question:
After which war did Ashoka embrace Buddhism? → Kalinga War
2. Ashoka's Dhamma
Ashoka's Dhamma was not a religion but a moral code of conduct.
Principles:
- Respect for elders
- Kindness to animals
- Non-violence
- Truthfulness
- Helping the poor
- Religious tolerance
Steps Taken:
- Appointed Dhamma Mahamatras
- Built stupas & pillars
- Sent missionaries abroad
7. Ashoka's Inscriptions (Very Important)
Ashoka used inscriptions to spread his message.
Types of Inscriptions
| Type | Material | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Major Rock Edicts | Rocks | 14 edicts |
| Minor Rock Edicts | Rocks | Personal thoughts |
| Pillar Edicts | Stone pillars | Moral teachings |
Language & Script
| Region | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| North India | Prakrit | Brahmi |
| Afghanistan | Greek & Aramaic | Aramaic script |
| Northwest | Kharosthi | Kharosthi script |
Memory Trick:
"B → Brahmi, K → Kharosthi"
8. Mauryan Administration (Most Asked in SSC GD)
Mauryan administration was highly centralized and well-organized.
1. King
- Supreme authority
- Controls army, taxes, justice
2. Council of Ministers
- Chief Minister (Mantri)
- Purohit (Priest)
- Senapati (Army head)
3. Provincial Administration
Empire divided into provinces:
- Pataliputra
- Taxila
- Ujjain
- Suvarnagiri
- Tosali
4. Revenue System
- Land revenue: 1/6th of produce
- Collected by samahartas
5. Espionage System
- Spies called Gudhapurusha
- Info system described in Arthashastra
9. Economy of Mauryan Empire
| Areas | Details |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Main occupation |
| Trade | Internal + foreign |
| Coins | Punch-marked coins |
| Roads | Royal highway (Pataliputra to Taxila) |
| Minerals | Iron, copper, gold |
| Industries | Craft, weaving, pottery |
Irrigation:
State-built canals, wells, reservoirs.
10. Society During Mauryas
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Varna system | Present but flexible |
| Women | Seen in royal positions |
| Food | Rice, wheat, milk, meat |
| Dress | Cotton & silk clothes |
Slavery:
Present but not brutal. Mentioned in Arthashastra.
11. Religion in Mauryan Period
Chandragupta
Jainism (Later life)
Died in Shravanabelagola (Karnataka)
Bindusara
Believed in Ajivika sect
Ashoka
Buddhism
Spread Buddhism to:
- Sri Lanka
- Nepal
- Afghanistan
- Burma
Built:
- Sanchi Stupa
- Dhamek Stupa
12. Art & Architecture of Mauryan Empire
Stone Architecture
- Polished pillars
- Bull capital (Sarnath)
- Pataliputra palace
Stupas
- Sanchi Stupa (Madhya Pradesh)
- Amaravati Stupa
Sculpture
Yaksha & Yakshi figures
National Emblem of India
Taken from Lion Capital of Ashoka → Sarnath
13. Decline of Mauryan Empire
Reasons
- Weak successors after Ashoka
- Huge empire → Difficult to manage
- High military expenses
- Economic issues
- Invasion by Greeks & Shungas
Last Mauryan King
Brihadratha (killed by Pushyamitra Shunga)
14. Quick Revision Table (SSC GD Favourite)
| Topic | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Founder | Chandragupta Maurya |
| Greatest king | Ashoka |
| Capital | Pataliputra |
| Book | Arthashastra |
| Ambassador | Megasthenes |
| War | Kalinga War |
| Religion | Buddhism |
| Edicts language | Prakrit |
| Script | Brahmi |
| Emblem | Lion Capital (Sarnath) |
15. Memory Tricks for Fast Recall
Mauryan Kings Order
"C-B-A" → Chandragupta, Bindusara, Ashoka
Important Sources
"A-I-E-P" → Arthashastra, Indica, Edicts, Puranas
Ashoka's Policy
"N-K-T-A" → Non-violence, Kindness, Tolerance, Ahimsa
Capitals & Provinces
"PUTS-T" → Pataliputra, Ujjain, Taxila, Suvarnagiri, Tosali
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