This chapter explains the rise of the Mauryan Empire, the reign of Ashoka, his transformation after the Kalinga War, and his unique method of ruling through dhamma and inscriptions.

The First Empire: Mauryan Empire

• The Mauryan Empire was the first large empire in Indian history
• Founded about 2300 years ago (c. 300 BC) by Chandragupta Maurya
• He was supported by Chanakya, also known as Kautilya
• Chanakya wrote the Arthashastra, a book on governance and economics

Administration of the Mauryan Empire

• Capital city: Pataliputra
• Other important cities: Taxila, Ujjain
• Areas near the capital were under direct control of the emperor
• Provinces had provincial capitals
• Officials collected taxes
• According to the Arthashastra:
  • North-west → famous for blankets
  • South India → gold and precious stones

Ashoka: A Unique Ruler

• Ashoka was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya
• He ruled from 273 BC to 232 BC
• Ashoka was the first ruler in world history to communicate directly with people through inscriptions

Ashoka’s Inscriptions

• Written mainly in Prakrit
• Script used: Brahmi
• Inscribed on rocks and pillars
• Purpose: To convey moral messages and instructions

The Kalinga War and Ashoka’s Change of Heart

• Ashoka fought a war to conquer Kalinga (present-day Odisha)
• The war caused massive violence and bloodshed
• Ashoka was deeply disturbed by the suffering
• He decided to give up warfare forever

📌 Ashoka is known as the only king who renounced war after victory

Ashoka’s Dhamma

• Inspired by Buddha’s teachings
• Not a religion, but a code of conduct
• Emphasised:
  • Respect for elders
  • Kindness to slaves and servants
  • Non-violence
  • Tolerance of other religions

Dhamma Mahamattas

• Ashoka appointed special officials called Dhamma Mahamattas
• Their duty was to:
  • Travel to different regions
  • Teach people about dhamma
  • Promote moral values

Ashoka’s Welfare Measures

Ashoka believed the king had a duty towards his subjects:

• Built roads
• Dug wells
• Constructed rest houses
• Arranged treatment for humans and animals
• Sent messengers to spread dhamma to:
  • Syria
  • Egypt
  • Greece
  • Sri Lanka

Capital City and Foreign Accounts

• Information about Pataliputra comes from Megasthenes
• He was sent by Seleucus Nicator
• Megasthenes described the city’s:
  • Administration
  • Fortifications
  • Roads and planning

Ashokan Symbols and Art

• Lion Capital – adopted as India’s National Emblem
• Rampurwa Bull – example of Mauryan sculpture

Key Terms

Timeline