PRE MAURYAN AGE Age of Buddha The archeological sources of this period consist of punch mark coins, North

Black Polish Ware (NBPW) pottery. The indigenous literary sources of this period consist of Brahamanic literature, Buddhist literature and Jaina literature. The foreign literarysources of this period consist of Historica by Herodotous etc. Concepts about age of Buddha 1. A clear cut demarcation between the place of work and living dwelling took place during this period. 2. Dowrysystem came into existence for the first time 3. Village became the lowest unit of administration (this has continued till the present day) 4. Scripts and laws came into existence for the first time 5. The tradition of royal document started during this period 6. The caste laws replaced the tribal laws 7. The standing army was formed for the first time during this period 8. Slaves were given work in the agriculture for the first time. Prior to this period slaves were employed only in the household tasks 9. Use of iron implements for agriculture started for the time, prior to this iron was used onlyin weapons 10. Taxation system became more elaborate, about six officers were associated with the collection of taxes 11. The evidence of untouchabilty comes from the Buddhist literature belonging to this period The sixteen Mahajanpadas

Following is the Brief Description of the 16 Mahajanpadas: Kasi: Its Capital was Banaras Kasi was located on the confluence of Ganga and Gomti rivers and somewhere around today's Varanasi. Kosala: Its capital was Shravasti Kosala was located in the Eastern Uttar Pradesh. It covers today's districts Faizabad, Gonda, Bhahraich etc. and was bordered by River Gomti on the west, River Sadaniva in the east, Nepal hills in the north and River Syandika in the South. Anga: Its Capital was Champa It covered the modern districts of Munger and Bhagalpur in Bihar It was later annexed to Magadha by Bimbisar. Magadh was on its west and Raja Mahal hills on the west.

Magadha: Its capital of Girivraja or Rajgriha It covered the modern districts of Patna, Gaya, Shahabad of Bihar. It was bordered by River Son non North and Ganga on South. Vajji or Vriji: Its capital was Vaishali It was located on the north of River Ganga in Bihar. The seat of 8 smaller clans / kingdoms called "Athakula" out of which Lichhavais, Janatriks, Videhas were very important. It was separated from Kosala from river Gandak. Malla: Its Capital was Kushinagar, Pawa It covered the modern districts of Deoria, Basti, Gorakhpur in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. Chedi or Cheti: It was located in the Bundelkhand division of Madhya Pradesh regions to the south of river Yamuna and along river Betwa or Vetravati. Its capital was Suktimati or Sotthivati located somewhere near Banda in Uttar Pradesh. Vatsa: Its capital was Kausambi It covered the modern districts of Allahabad and Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh. Kuru: Its Capital was Indraprastha / Hastinapur / Isukara It covered the modern Haryana & Delhi-Meerut-Ghaziabad region. Its eastern border was River Yamuna. Panchala: Its Capital was Its capital were Ahichhtra (Western Panchal) and Kampilya (eastern Panchala). It covered modern day Rohilkhand division & Upper Gangetic Plains of today's Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand. Matsya: Its Capital was Viratnagar It was located in the Alwar, Bharatpur, Jaipur districts of Rajasthan. Surasena : Its Capital was Mathura It was located on the junction of Uttarpatha and Dakshinpatha around Mathura of Today. Assaka: Its capital was Potali, Potana or Podana Located on the banks of the Godavari River. Its capital was Potali, Potana or Podana, which now lies in the Nandura Tehsil, Buldana district in the Indian state of Maharashtra and it was the only Mahajanapada situated to the south of the Vindhya Range, and was in Dakshinapatha Avanti: Its capital was Ujjain & Mahismati Located on present day Malwa region. It was divided into two parts by the Vindhyas, the northern part had its capital at Ujjayini and the southern part had its centre at Mahishmati. Gandhara: Its capital was Taxila: Covered the regions between Kabul and Rawalipindi in North Western Provinces, Peshawar, the Potohar plateau and on the Kabul River. Kamboja: Its capital Rajpur It was located around Punchh area of Kashmir.

Only Malla and Vajji were republics while others were monarchies. Kamboja turned to be a republic at the time of Kautilya. The ascendency of Magdha The kingdoms of Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa and Avanti were in constant struggle with each other for supremacy. It was the kingdom of Magadha that emerged to be the most powerful and succeeded in founding a large empire.

Causes of Magadhas success 1. The vast resources of iron in Magdha gave her a strategic edge over the others. 2. The geographical conditions like fertile alluvial soil helped her to generate agrarian surplus which contributed in its success 3. It was Magadha which first used elephants on a large scale in its war against its neighbor. 4. The location of major forts provided the kingdom with natural shields against the enemies 5. The monarchs ruling the kingdom like Ajatshatru, Udayin, Kalashoka etc were highly ambitious and indulged into the territorial expansion Maghdhan Supremacy The important dynasties that ruled Magdha were: Haryanka Sisunaga Nanda Maurya Haryanaka dynasty: (544 to 412 B.C) Bimbisara (544 BC 492 BC) 1) He was the founder of Haryanka dynasty. 2) He annexed Anga 3) He formed the first standing army hence also called Shrenik Bimbasar 4) Magadha came into prominence under the leadership of Bimbisara. 5) He was a contemporary of Gautama Buddha. 6) He married the princesses of Kosala (Kosaldevi / Mahakosala-sister of Kosal King Prasenjit), Lichchhavi (Chellana-sister of Lichchhavi Head Chetaka) & Madra (Khema-daughter of Madra king), which helped him in his expansionist policy. 7) He sent a royal physician, Jivaka to Ujjain, when Avanti King Pradyota was attacked by jaundice. 8) He gained a part of Kashi as the dowry in his marriage with the sister of king Prasenjit of Kosala. (first evidence of dowary) 9) He built the city of New Rajagriha. Ajatashatru (Kunika) (492 460 BC) 1) Bimbisara was succeeded by his son Ajatashatru. Ajatashatru killed his father and seized the throne. 2) He was son of Lichichhivi princess Chellana 3) He annexed Kashi by attacking his maternal uncle Prasenjit, the king of Kosala. 4) The Vajji confederation was Ajatashatrus next target of attack. This war was a lengthy one and tradition tells us that after a long period of 16 years, he was able to defeat the Vajji only through deceit, by sowing the seeds of discord amongst them. 5) These three factors that played important role to defeat the Vajji were: a. Sunidha & Vatsakar Ajashatrus diplomatic minister, who sowed the seeds of discord amongst Vajjis. b. Rathamusala A king of chariot to which a mace was attached. c. Mahashilakantaka A war engine which catapulted big stones. 6) He built the fort of Rajagriha and a watch-fort (Jaladurga) at a village called Patali, on the banks of the Ganges. Udayin (460 440) B.C 1) According to Puranas the nearest successor of Ajatshatru was Darshaka. 2) He laid the foundations of the city of Patliputra at the confluence of the Son and the Ganges and shifted the capital from Rajagriha to Patliputra. 3) Nagadasak was the last ruler of the Hiranayak dynasty who was replaced by Sisunaga, the governor of Varanasi.

Shisunaga Dynasty (412to 344 B.C.) 1) Nag-Dasak was replaced by his own people and Sisunaga was elected as king. 2) The most important achievement of Shisunaga was the destruction of the Pradyota dynasty of Avanti. 3) Shisunaga was succeeded by Kalashoka (Kakavarna). His reign is important because he convened the Second Buddhists Council in Vaishali (383 BC). Nanda dynasty (344 to 323 B.C) 1) The Shisunaga dynasty was overthrown by Mahapadma who established a new line of kings known as the Nandas. 2) According to Puranas he was son of Sudra 3) Mahapadma is known as Sarvakshatrantak i.e. Uprooter of all the Kshatriyas (Puranas) and Ugrasena i.e. owner of huge army(Pali exts) 4) The Puranas call Mahapadma as Ekrat i.e. the sole monarch. He seems to have overthrown all the dynasties which ruled at the time of Shisunagas 5) He is often described as the first empire builder of Indian history. 6) Mahapadma was succeeded by his eight sons. 7) Dhanananda was the last ruler of the Nanda dynasty 8) He conquered Kalinga 9) The last king Dhanananda is possibly identical with the Agrammes or Xandrames of the Greek texts 10) It was during the rule of Dhanananda that the invasion of Alexander took place in north-west India in 326 BC Religious movements (6th Century B.C) The sixth century B.C. was the age of religious unrest in the history of India. This was the time when Vedic religion and philosophy witnessed churnings and reactions from within and without. The churning from within the Vedic religion was in the form of Upnishads which gave a serious jolt to the cult of sacrifices; and gave emphasis on the knowledge as a vehicle to achieve God. On the other hand Jainism, Buddhism and various other heterodox sects emerged during this period as a reaction to the Vedic religion and philosophy. While the Upnishads philosophy was aimed to rectify the Vedic religion and thus strengthen it, the aim of Jainism, Buddhism and various other heterodox sects was to dismantle it. Causes of Religious Movements 1. The religious movements were a reaction against the Vedic philosophy which had quagmire into stiff dogmas, superstitions and rituals. 2. Supremacy of the Brahmans created unrest in the society and Kshatriyas reacted against the Brahmanical domination. It is not just a coincidence that both Buddha and Mahavira were from ruling clans. 3. Introduction of a new agricultural economy in Eastern India using iron implements resulted in availability of agrarian surplus and this gave the leisure time to people to indulge into philosophical discourses. 4. The economic status of Vaishayas improved but this did not result into the improvement in their social status. Thus they started patronizing the sects outside Vedic religion which could enhance their social status as well. 5. The Vedic religion gave much importance to the cult of sacrifice which involved killing of animals. Bysixth century B.C. with agriculture becoming the mainstay of the economy, the animals like ox and other cattle became important assets in the means of production. Thus it is not just a coincidence that Buddhism and Jainism gave emphasis on non violence.

BUDDHISM Gautama Buddha, founder of Buddhismm was born, was born in 563 BC at Lumbinivana in Kapilvastu in the Sakya Kshatriya clan. His father Suddodhana was the king of Kapilvastu and mother Mahamaya was a princess of Kosala dynasty. Mahaprajapati Gautami was the step mother of Gautama. He was married to Yasodhara (Princess of Kolli dynasty) from whom he had a son Rahul. At the age of 29, he renounced home this was his Mahabhinishkramana (great going forth) and became a wandering ascetic. His first teacher was Alara Kalama. Another teacher was Udraka Ramputra. At the age of 35 under a pepal tree at Uruvella ( Bodh Gaya) on the bank of river Niranjana (modern name Falgu) attained Nirvana (enlightern-ment)after 49 days of continuous meditation Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath (Dear park) to his five deciples, this is known as Dharmachakra Pravartana (Turning of the wheel of law) Ananda and Upali were his famous disciples. Sujata was the farmers daughter who gave him rice milk at Bodha Gaya He died at the age of 80 in 483 BC at Kushinagar. This is known as Mahaparinirvana Eight great places associated with Buddhism are Lumbini, Sarnath, Sravasti, Rajgriha, Bodh Gaya, Kushinagar, Sankisa and Vaishali. Patliputra is not associated with Buddha Ashoka, the greatest patron of Buddhism, called 3rd Buddhist council & sent mission comprises of his son Mahendra & his daughter Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka. Palas of Bengal & Bihar were last great patrons of Buddhism Events associated with Buddhas life Great Events of Buddhas Life Symbols 1. Janma (Birth) 2. Mahabhnishkramana (Renunciation) 3. Nirvana (Enlightenment) 4. Drarmachakra pravartana (First Sermon) 5. Mahaparinirvana (Death)

Lotus Horse Bodhi tree Wheel Stupa

Buddhist Architecture 1. Stupa Relices of the Buddha or some prominent Buddhist monks are preserved. 2. Chaitya Prayer hall 3. Vihara Residence of monks and ascetics Doctrine of Buddhism Four Noble Truths 1. This world is full of sufferings 2. Desire is the root cause of sufferings 3. The cessation of sufferings is attainable 4. The cessation of sufferings can be attained byfollowing the Eight Fold Path According to Buddhist philosophy the ultimate aim of life is to attain nirvana, the eternal state of peace and bliss, which means liberation from the cycle of birth and death According to Buddhist philosophy the world is momentary The interesting fact about Buddhist philosophyis that while it believein cycle of birth and death it does not believe in the concept of soul The Middle Path of Buddhism states that man should avoid both extremes Triratna i.e. Three Jewels of Buddhism are 1. Buddha 2. Dharma 3. Sangha

Buddhist literature Milindapanho (i.e. Questions of Milinda): A dialogue between Milinda (identical with IndoGreek ruler Menander) and Buddhist saint Nagasena is the onlytext in Sanskrit. Pali Texts 1. Tripitaka: Pitaka literally means basket and it was called so, because the original texts were written on palm-leaves and kept in baskets. Tripatika refers to three commentaries, these are as: a) Sutta Pitaka It contain the sayings of Buddha. It contains the five groups Dighgha Nikaya Majhim Nikaya Sanyukta Nikaya Anguttar Nikaya Kshudraka Nikaya b) Vinay Pitaka It contain the monastic code, the most important is Patimoksha c) Abhidamma Pitaka It consists of the religious and metaphysical discourses of Buddha 2. Dipavamsha & Mahavamsha The great chronicles of Sri Lanka 3. Visshudhimagga by Buddhagosha Buddhist councils First Council The first Buddhist council was held at Rajgriha in 483 B.C. under the patronage of Ajatshatru. It took place just after the death of Lord Buddha. The compilation of Sutta Pitak and Vinay Pitak took place during this council. Second Council It took place after 100 years of the death of Lord Buddha i.e. 383 in B.C. It took place in Vaishali under the patronage of king Kalashoka, it was presided by Sabakami. The schism took place in this council on the issue of rules and discipline. As a result two groups, Mahasanghika and Therivadi (Sthavirvadin) were formed. Third Council It took place in Patliputra under the patronage of Ashoka. It was presided by Mogliputta Tisa. It is also known as the council of Therivadins. Katthavattu was added to the Abhidhama Patika during this council. However, none of the Ashokan inscription gives us the information about the council. Fourth Council It was held in Kundalgrama in Kashmir. The president of the council was Vasumitra and the vice president was Ashvagosha. Mahavibhasha, the doctrine of Sravastivadin was written in Sanskrit in copper plate and enclosed in the stone boxes. During this council the two sects of Buddhism i.e. Hinayana and Mahayana were formed officially. Sects of Buddhism The three sects of Buddhism are Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayan Hinayana (i)Its followers believed in the original teaching of Buddha. (ii)Theysought individual salvation through self-discipline and meditation. (iii)Followers of this do not believe in idol-worship and historicity of Buddha. (iv)This sect treat Lord Buddha as a teacher and not as God4/12/13 Religious Movements www.halfmantr.com/display-polity/584-religious-movements 6/11 (v)The literature of this sect is mainlyin Pali. (vi)It is known as Southern Buddhist Religion, because it prevailed in the South of India, e.g. Sri Lanka, Burma (Myanmar), Syam (Thailand), Java etc. (vii)There were two sub sects of Hinayana i.e. Vaibhasika and Sautantrika. Mahayana (i)Its followers believed in the historicity of Buddha. (ii)They sought the salvation of all through the grace and help of Buddha & Bodhisatva

(iii)This sect believes in idol-worship. (iv)This sect treat Buddha as God (v)The literature of this sect is compiled in Sanskrit language. (vi)It is known as Northern Buddhist Religion, because it prevailed in the North of India, e.g. China, Korea, Japan, etc. (vii)There were two sub sects of Mahayana 1. Madhyamika or Shunyavada: Founded by Nagarjuna 2. Yogachar or Vijananavada: Founded by Maitreyanath and his disciple Asanga. Vajrayana (i)Its followers believed that salvation could be best attained by acquiring the magical power i.e. Vajra. (ii)The sect developed in Tibet (iii)The sect believe in worship of female deities (iv)The chief divinities of this new sect were the Taras. (v)It became popular in Eastern India, particularly Bengal and Bihar. Jainism Facts related to Mahaviras life: Mahavira was born in 540 BC in a village Kundgrama near Vaishali in Bihar. His father Siddhartha was the head of the Jnathrika Kshtriya clan under Vajji of Vaishali and his mother Trishala was the sister of Chetaka, the king of Vaishali.4/12/13 Religious Movements www.halfmantr.com/display-polity/584-religious-movements 7/11 Mahavira was also related to Bimbisara, the ruler of Magadha, who had married Chellana, the daughter of Chetaka. Mahavira was married to Yashoda and their daughter was Anonja Priyadarshini whose husband Jamali, became the first disciple of Mahavira. At the age of 30, after the death of his parents, he renounced his family, became an ascetic and proceeded in search of truth. He was accompanied by Makkhali Gosala, but later due to some differences Gosala left him and founded Ajivika sect. At the age of 42, under a sal tree at Jimbhikagrama on the bank of river Rijupalika, Mahavira attained Kaivalya. From then he was called Kevalin (perfect learned), Jina or Jitendriya (one who conquered his senses), Nrigrantha (free from all bonds), Arhant (blessed one) and Mahavira (the brave) and his followers were named jain. He delivered his first sermon at Pava to his 11 disciples also known as 11 Gandharas. Later, he founded a Jain Sangha at Pava. At the page of 72 in 468 BC, he passed away at Pavapuri. 36 republics celebrated his salvation The two sects Shvetambaras (white clad) & Digambaras (sky-clad). The schism in Jainism In 298 BC, there was a serious famine in Magadha (South Bihar) leading to a great exodus of many Jain monks to the Deccan and South India (Shravanbelgola) along with Bhadrabahu and Chandragupta Maurya. Theyreturned back after 12 years. The leader of the group, which stayed back at Magadha was Sthulabhadra. When the Jains (Bhadrabahu & others) returned from South India, they held that complete nudity be an essential part of the teachings of Mahavira, while the monks in Magadha began to put on white clothes. As a resut two sects were formed: 1. Shvetambaras (i.e. those who put on white robes) under the leadership of Sthulabhadra 2. Digambaras (i.e. those who were stark naked) under the leadership of Bhadrabahu.

Three Jewels of Jainism 1. Right faith4/12/13 Religious Movements www.halfmantr.com/display-polity/584-religious-movements 8/11 2. Right knowledge 3. Right conduct Five Vows of Jainism 1. Ahimsa (non-injury) 2. Satya (non-lying) 3. Asteya (non-stealing) 4. Aparigraha (non-possession) 5. Brahmacharya (chastity). The first four vows were laid down by Parshwanath. The firth one was added by Mahavira. Instruments of Knowledge 1. Mati Jnana- Perception through activity of sense organs, including the mind 2. Shruta jnana- Knowledge revealed byscriptures 3. Avadhi jnana- Clairvoyant perception 4. Manahparyaya jnana Telepathic knowledge 5. Keval jnana- Temporal knowledge or Omniscience. Jain philosophy 1. Rejected the authority of the Vedas and Vedic rituals. 2. The Kalpa Vriksha is associated the Jain philosophy 3. God is not responsible for the creation of this world 4. The world is eternal and universe cannot be destroyed 5. Jain philosophyis close to Sankhya philosophy 6. They believe in soul. 7. They believe in emancipation of soul by penances 8. They believe is cosmic cycles 9. Did not believe in the existence of God. 10. Believed in Karma and the transmigration of soul. 11. Laid great emphasis on equality.4/12/13 Religious Movements www.halfmantr.com/display-polity/584-religious-movements 9/11 12. The Saptabhani or Sayavad or Anekantvada philosophy is associated with Jainism Jain literature 1. The original language of associated with the language of Mahavira is Aradhmagdhi. 2. The oldest texts associated with Jainism are called Purvas, they were 14 in number. 3. The literature is written in both prose and verse 4. The other important texts are (i) 12 Angas (ii) 12 Upangas (iii) 10 Parikarnas (iv) 6 Chhedasutras (v) 4 Mulasutras (vi) 2 Sutra-Granthas. Jain Councils The first council The first council was held at Patliputra in 367 B.C under the leadership of Sthulabhadra. This council was patronized by Chandragupta Maurya. In this council 11 Angas were compiled. The 12 th Anga named Drishtivada was declared lost. The second council

It was held at Mathura and was presided over by Aryaskandilya. The third council It took place in 455 A.D. at Vallabhi and was presided over by Devaradhi Kshamarasana. In this council the literature was given a written form. Royal Patrons of Jainism 1. Nandas; Bimbisar, Ajatshatru and Udayin (Harayanak dynasty) 2. Chandragupta Maurya, Bindusara and Samprate (Mauryan dynasty) 3. Pradyota (Avanti) 4. Udayan (Sindhu Sauvira)4/12/13 Religious Movements www.halfmantr.com/display-polity/584-religious-movements 10/11 5. Kharavela (Kalinga). 6. Ganga Dynasty 7. Kadamb Dynasty 8. Amoghavarsha (Rashtrakuta Dynasty). 9. Siddharaj Jai Singh and Kumarpala (Chaulikya / Solanki) were the last great patrons of Jainism MAURYAN AGE (322 185 B.C.) Sources of information about Mauryas Literary sources 1. Kautilyas Arthasastra 2. Megastheneses Indica 3. Visakha Dattas Mudra Rakshasa: although it was written during Gupta Period, it describes how Chandragupta Maurya get Chanakyas assistance to overthrow the Nandas. 4. Puranas 5. Buddhist text Jatakas potrays a general picture of socio-economic conditions of Mauryan Period. 6. 6. Buddhist chronicles Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa describe the part played by Ashoka in 7. spreadin Buddhism to Sri Lanka. 8. 7. Tibetan Buddhist text Divyavadana gives information about Ashoka and his efforts to 9. spread Buddhism Archaeological Sources 1. Punch mark coins 2. Wooden palace of Chandragupta Maurya 3. Northen Black Polished Ware (NBPW) 4. Ashokan Edicts and Inscriptions: There are Rock Edicts, Pillar Edicts and Cave inscriptions located at several places in the Indian sub-continent. 5. Junagadh Rock Inscription of Rudradaman 6. Sohgaura Copper Plate Inscription in Gorakhpur district 7. Mahasthan Inscription in Bogara district of Bangladesh. 8. Inscription from Taxila informs about the officer name Romeo deto Ashokan Edicts Ashokan inscriptions w ere unearthed from 45 places. They are 150 in number. They are expressed in 181 versions. All pillar edicts are carved out of Chunar hills and from there they were dispatched at different places. Language of Edicts The inscriptions are mostly in Prakrit language and Brahmi script. In North western region they are written in Prakrit language and Khroshti and Aramaic script. In Afghanistan they are written in Aramaic script and Greek language. At Sabhazgarhi and Manshera the script is Khroshti At Kandhar, the edicts found are bilingual.

At Yerraguddi, the minor rock edict has been recorded in Boustrophedon. Contents of Major Rock Edict 1. Prohibition of animal sacrifices & festive gatherings. 2. Measures of social welfare, medical mission sent everywhere. 3. Respect to Brahamanas. Mention about Yukta, Rajjuka and Pradeshika 4. Courtesyto relatives, elders, consideration for animals. 5. Appointment of Dhamma Mahamatras & their duties. 6. Need for efficient organization of administration (orders to Dhamma Mahamatras). 7. Need for tolerance among all religious sects. All sects dwell in peace. 8. System of Dhamma-yatras. 9. Attack on meaningless ceremonies & rituals. 10. Conquest through Dhamma instead of war. 11. Explanation of Dhamma-policy. 12. Appeal for tolerance among all religious sects.4/12/13 MauryaDynasty www.halfmantr.com/display-polity/115-maurya-dynasty 5/13 13. Kalinga war, mention five contemporary Hellenic (Greek) kings. 14. Inspiration to spend religious life. 15. 1 st separate Rock edict at Dhauli talks about All subjects are mychildren.{/niftybox} Origin of the Mauryas Buddhist text describe them as Kshatriyas, according to Mahaparinirvan Sutra Mauryas were Kshatriyas of Pipalvhan. They were also associated with the Mora tribe associated with peacock tamers. According to Jaina texts Mauryas were neither of higher nor of lower origin The Puranas and Bhramanic literature describe them as Shudras. Mudrakshasa of Vishakhadatta uses the terms like Vrishal or Kulhina Justin describes Chandragupta only as a man of humble origin. The Junagarh Rock Inscription of Rudradaman (150 AD) has some indirect evidence, which suggest that the Mauryas may have been of Vaishya origin. Chandragupta Maurya (322298 B.C.) Chandragupta dethroned the last Nanda ruler Dhananand, he first captured the region of North West Apianus tells us that in 305 BC, Chandragupta Maurya defeated Selecus Nikator at the bank of river Indus, who surrendered a vast territory including Aria (heart), Arachosia (Kandhar), Gedrosia (Baluchistan) & Paropanisade (Kabul), in return for 500 elephants. After the treaty with Selecus Nikator, the boundary of empire reached up-to Hindukush. Megasthenese was a Greek ambassador sent to the court of Chandragupta Maurya by Selecus Nikator. Chandragupta adopted Jainism and went to Chandragiri Hill, Sravanbelgola (Karnataka) with Bhadrabahu, where he died byslow starvation. Under Chandragupta Maurya, for the first time, the whole of Northern India was4/12/13 MauryaDynasty www.halfmantr.com/display-polity/115-maurya-dynasty 6/13 united. Bindusara: (298 273 B.C.) Chandragupta Maurya was succeeded by his son Bindusara. He is known by different names like Madrasar, Simhasena and Amitrochates According to Smith and Lama Taraknath, Bindusara conquered the land between the two seas. King of Syria Antiochus I sent his ambassador Diamakus to the court of Bindusar. Antiochus I asked for sweet wine, dried figs and a sophist. Wine and figs were sent

but sophists were not. Bindusara patronized Ajivika sect. Pingalvastava was the astrologer in the court of Bindusar. Ashoka The names of Ashoka from different sources are as: Ashoka Maski minor rock edict. Devanampriyas Ashoka Rajas Gurjara minor rock edict Raja Ashoka Nittur minor rock edict Raja Ashoka Dewanampiya Udegolum minor rock edict Piyadassi Raja Magadh Bhabru-Bairat minor rock edict Piyadassi Raja Barabar cave inscription Piyadassi Kandhar major rock edict Ashoka Maurya Rudradamans Junagarh rock edict Ashoka Vardhan Puranas. According to Buddhist tradition, Ashoka usurped the throne after killing his 994/12/13 MauryaDynasty www.halfmantr.com/display-polity/115-maurya-dynasty 7/13 brothers and spared Tissa, the youngest one. This war of succession accounts for interregnum of four years (273-269 BC), and only after securing his position on the throne, Ashoka had himself formally crowned in 269 BC. Radhagupta a minister of Bindusara helped him in fratricidal struggle and capture throne Fa-Haien called him Chanda Ashoka Puranas calls him Ashokavardhan In Puranas Ashoka is mentioned as any other ordinaryking According to Huien Tsang, Ashoka founded Srinagar The queens of Ashoka were Assandhimitta, Kaurvaki and Padmavati. Devi was his first love but she never got the status of queen. Under Ashoka, the Mauryan Empire reached its climax. For the first time, the whole of the sub-continent, leaving out the extreme south, was under imperial control. Ashoka fought the Kalinga war in 261 BC in 9 th years of his coronation. The King was moved by massacre in this war and therefore abandoned the policy of physical occupation in favour of policy of cultural conquest. According to the Ashokan rock edict the Bherighosa was replaced by Dhammaghosa. Ashoka sent missionaries to the kingdoms of the Cholas and the Pandyas, and five states ruled by Greek kings (Antiochus II, Syrina; Alexander, Epirus). We also know that he sent missionaries to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and Suvarnbhumi (Burna) and also parts of South-East Asia. Ashokan Dhamma Ashokas Dhamma was different from Buddhism. Dhamma propagated the tenets of tolerance as well as moral and ethical conducts. Its broad objective was to preserve the social order as with the expansion of Mauryan Empire the population had become heterogeneous, diverse and multi-racial. It ordained that people should obey their parents, pay respect to Brahmanas and Buddhist monks and show mercyto slaves and servants. He held that if people behaved well they would attain Swarga (heaven). Later Mauryas (232 185 B.C.)4/12/13 MauryaDynasty www.halfmantr.com/display-polity/115-maurya-dynasty 8/13 The Mauryan dynastylasted for about 137 years. The three Mauryan rulers ruled for 90 years and later Mauryas for only 47 years Ashokas death was followed by the division of the Mauryan Empire into two partsWestern and Eastern.

The Western part came to be ruled by Kunala and then by Samprati for a short while. Eastern part came to be ruled by Dasaratha. The last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha, was assassinated in 185 BC by his commender-in-chief, Pushyamitra Sunga, who established his own Sunga dynasty. Mauryan administration The Mauryan government was a centralized bureaucracy with king as fountainhead of all the powers. However, he was assisted bythe council of ministers i.e. mantri parishad. The Mauryan administration was highlycentralized, the officers even up to the lowest level were appointed bythe centre and these officers were accountable to the centre. According to Kautilya/ Chanakya, there are 7 elements of states (Saptanga theory)Raja (the king), Amatya (the secretaries), Janapada (territory), Durg (fort), Kosha (the treasure), Sena (Army) and Mitra (Friend). The state during this period activelytook part, as well as regulates the trade and commerce. The officers were paid salaryin cash. Important Officials during Mauryan period In 2 nd ,3 rd and 4 th Major Rock Edicts of Ashoka, there are references of officers. Arthashastra and Indica also throw light on the officers in Mauryan age. These texts mention about 18 tireths (ministers) and 23 (adhyakshas) heads. The 3 rd Major Rock edict of Ashoka mentions three officers i.e. Yukta, Rajjuka and Pradeshika. The list of important officials is as:4/12/13 MauryaDynasty www.halfmantr.com/display-polity/115-maurya-dynasty 9/134/12/13 MauryaDynasty www.halfmantr.com/display-polity/115-maurya-dynasty 10/13 Provincial administration The empire was divided into five provinces: Local and Municipal Administration The provinces were divided into districts which were known as Vish or Ahara The three officials mentioned in Ashokan edicts i.e. Yukta, Rajjuka and Pradeshika4/12/13 MauryaDynasty www.halfmantr.com/display-polity/115-maurya-dynasty 11/13 were associated with the district administration The Gramika was the head of village Nagaraka was the chief officer responsible for the law and order in the city. Kautilya devotes a full chapter to the rules of the Nagarak i.e. citysuperintendent. His chief duty was maintenance of law and order. The municipal administration of the cities was excellent during Mauryan period. Megasthenese gives an account of the committee system of administering the municipalities in the cities. There were 6 committees of five members each. The functions of these sixcommittees were: 1. Industrial Arts 2. Entertainment of Foreigners 3. Registration of Births & Deaths 4. Trade & Commerce 5. Public sale of manufactured goods 6. Collection of taxes on the articles sold Army The most striking feature of Mauryan administration was maintenance of a huge

army. Kautilya permitted all the four varnas to serve in the army According to Pinly, Mauryas maintained an army of sixlakh soldiers. Mauryans also maintained a Navy. In the Mauryan period, there were two types of Gudhapurushas (detectives) Sansthan (stationary) and Sanchari (wandering). Economy State took active participation in economy Shudras were involved in agriculture for the first time Crown land was called Sita There were provisions for irrigation bythe state The normal taxation rate was one sixth of the produce The weight and measures were regulated bythe states4/12/13 MauryaDynasty www.halfmantr.com/display-polity/115-maurya-dynasty 12/13 Tolls were also levied on commodities brought to town for sale and they were collected at gate. The state enjoyed monopoly in mining, forest, salt, sale of liquor, manufacture of arms etc. Sohgaura (Gorakhpur district, U.P.) copper plate inscription & Mahasthana (Bogara district, Bangladesh) inscription deal with the relief measures to be adopted during a famine.

Previous Year Question from IAS Prelims About Civil Services Exam Model Answer1 For Mains4/12/13 50DayCountdown: Day2 www.halfmantr.com/final-countdown/1290-50-day-countdown-day-2 4/11 1. Between which of the following was the ancient town of Takshasila located? ( Civil Services Exam 2006) a) Indus and Jhelum b) Jhelum and Chenab c) Chenab and Ravi d) Ra vi and Beas Ans. a 2. Who among the following was not a contemporary of the other three? ( Civil Services Exam 2005) a) Bimbsara b) Gaautama Budha c) Milinda d) Prasenjit Ans. c 3. The practice of military governorship was first introduced in India bythe ( Civil Services Exam 2000) a) Greeks b) Sakas c) Parthians d) Mughals Ans. b 4. Which one of the following dynasties was ruling over North India at the time of

Alexanders invasion? (Civil Services Exam 2000) a) Nanda b) Maurya c) Sunga d) Kanva Ans. a4/12/13 50DayCountdown: Day2 www.halfmantr.com/final-countdown/1290-50-day-countdown-day-2 5/11 5. One consistent feature found in the history of southern India was the growth of small regional kingdoms rather than large empires because of ( Civil Services Exam 2006) a) The absence of minerals like iron b) Too many divisions in the social structure c) The absence of vast areas of fertile land d) The scarcity of manpower Ans. c 6. Which one of the following was initiallythe most powerful citystate of India in the 6 th century BC? ( Civil Services Exam 1999) a) Gandhar b) Kamboj c) Kasha d) Megadh Ans. c 7. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? (( Civil Services Exam 1998) 1.) Lothal: Ancient dockyard 2.) Sarnath: First Sermon of Buddha 3.) Rajgir: Lion capital of Ashoka 4.) Nalanda: Great seat of Buddhist learning Select the correct answer using the codes given below: Codes: a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 b) 3 and 4 c) 1, 2 and 4 d) 1 and 2 Ans. c 8. With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism? ( Civil Services Exam 2012) 1.) Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment.4/12/13 50DayCountdown: Day2 www.halfmantr.com/final-countdown/1290-50-day-countdown-day-2 6/11 2.) Indifference to the authority of Vedas. 3.) Denial of efficiency of rituals Select the correct answer using the given code below: a) 1 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans. b 9. Lord Buddhas image ins sometimes shown with the hand gesture called Bhumisparsha Mudra. It symbolizes ( Civil Services Exam 2012) a) Buddhas calling of the Earth to watch his meditation and to prevent Mara form disturbing his meditation. b) Buddhas calling for the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara

c) Buddhas reminder to his followers that they all arise from Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth, and thus this life is transitory. d) Both the statements (a) and (b) are correct in this context. Ans. b 10. The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by( Civil Services Exam 2011) a) Universal Law b) Universal Truth c) Universal Faith d) Universal Soul Ans. a 11. Anekantavada is a core theory and philosophy of which one of the following? ( Civil Services Exam 2009) a) Buddhism b) Jainism c) Sikhism4/12/13 50DayCountdown: Day2 www.halfmantr.com/final-countdown/1290-50-day-countdown-day-2 7/11 d) Vaishnavism Ans. b 12. With reference to ancient Jainism, which of the following statements is correct? ( Civil Services Exam 2009) a) Jainism was spread in South India under the leadership of Sthulabahu b) The Jainas who remained under the leadership of Bhadrabahu were called Shvetambaras after the Council held at Pataliputra c) Jainism enjoyed the patronage of the Kalinga king Kharavela in the first century BC. d) In the initial stage of Jainism, the Jainas worshipped images unlike Buddhists Ans. c 13. Consider the following statements: ( Civil Services Exam 2003) 1.) Vardhaman Mahaviras mother was the daughter of LIchchhavi chief Chetaka. 2.) Gautama Buddhas mother was a princess from the Kosalan dynasty. 3.) Parshvanatha, the twenty-third Tirthankara, belonged to Benaras. Which of these statements is/are correct? a) Only 1 b) Only 2 c) 2 and 3 d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans. c 14. In ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries, a ceremonycalled Pavarana used to be held. It was the ( Civil Services Exam 2002) a) Occasion to elect the Sanghaparinayaka and two speakers. One of Dhamma and the other on Vinaya b) Confession by monks of their offence committed during their stayin the monasteries during the rainyseason c) Ceremony of initiation of new person into the Buddhist Sangha in which the head is shaved and yellow robes are offered4/12/13 50DayCountdown: Day2 www.halfmantr.com/final-countdown/1290-50-day-countdown-day-2 8/11 d) Gathering of Buddhist monks on the next dayto the fullmoon day of Ashadha when theytake up a fixed abode for the next four months of rainy season Ans. b

16. Many of the Greeks Kushanas and Shakas embraced Buddhism rather than Hindustan because(( Civil Services Exam 1998) a) Buddhism was in the ascendant at that time b) They had renounced the policy of war and violence c) Caste-ridden Hinduism did not attract them d) Buddhism provided easier access to Indian society Ans. d 17. The concept of the Eight-Fold Path forms the theme of ( Civil Services Exam 1997) a) Dipavamsa b) Divyavadana c) Mahaparinirvan Sutta d) Dharma Chakra Pravartana Sutta Ans. d Maurya 18. The ancient Indian play Mudrarakshasa of Visakhadatta has its subject on ( Civil Services Exam 2002) a) A conflict between Gods and Demons of ancient Hindu lore b) A romantic story of an Aryan prince of a tribal woman c) The story of power struggle between two Aryan tribes d) The court intrigues at the time of Chandragupta Maurya Ans. d 20. The following person came to India at one time or another: ( Civil Services Exam 1999) 1.) Fa-Hien 2.) I-Tsing4/12/13 50DayCountdown: Day2 www.halfmantr.com/final-countdown/1290-50-day-countdown-day-2 9/11 +1 Reply | Reply w ith quote | Quote +1 3.) Megasthenese 4.) Hieun-Tsang The correct chronological sequence of their visits is: a) 3, 1, 2, 4 b) 3, 1,4, 2 c) 1,3, 2, 4 d) 1, 3, 4, 2 Ans. b 21. Which one of the following ancient Indian records is the earliest royal order to preserve food grains to be utilized during the crises in the country? ( Civil Services Exam 2006) a) Sohogaura Copper-plate b) Rumminidei pillar-edict of Ashoka c) Prayag-Prasasti d) Mehrauli pillar inscription of Chandra Ans. a 23. The Ashokan major rock edicts which tell us about the Sangam kingdom include rock edicts ( Civil Services Exam 1998) a) I and X b) I and XI c) II and XIII d) II and XIV Ans. c