2. Ch. 4 India’s First Imperial Age: The Mauryan Empire 326 B.C.E.- 184 B.C.E.

3. The Maurya Dynasty With the Magadha state in decline, Chandragupta Maurya seized power from the last ruler of MagadhaWith the Magadha state in decline, Chandragupta Maurya seized power from the last ruler of Magadha Chandragupta would expand the remnants of Magadha to the Bay of Bengal and the Hindu Kush MountainsChandragupta would expand the remnants of Magadha to the Bay of Bengal and the Hindu Kush Mountains The Maurya Empire was the largest yet seen in IndiaThe Maurya Empire was the largest yet seen in India Chandragupta Maurya

4. Chandragupta : 324 BCE-301 BCE  Unified northern India.  Defeated the Persian general Seleucus.  Divided his empire into provinces, then districts for tax assessments and law enforcement.  He feared assassination [like Saddam Hussein]  food tasters, slept in different rooms, etc.  301 BCE  gave up his throne & became a Jain.

5. Chandragupta : 324 BCE-301 BCE Increased centralized govt control over regional kingdomsIncreased centralized govt control over regional kingdoms large army of 700,000large army of 700,000 secret police to watch for treasonsecret police to watch for treason

6. The Mauryan Empire 326-184 BCE

7. The Maurya Empire 326 BCE – 184 BCE

8. KautilyaKautilya  Chandragupta’s advisor.  Brahmin caste.  Wrote The Treatise on Material Gain or the Arthashastra.  A guide for the king and his ministers:  Supports royal power.  The great evil in society is anarchy.  Therefore, a single authority is needed to employ force when necessary!

9. Government---Centralizing The nucleus of the Mauryan empire was the king,The nucleus of the Mauryan empire was the king, and the increasing power of the king was accompanied by a similar increase in the power of the chief priest (purohita), who by now had begun to assume the function of the chief minister, his religious status receded in the background (example: Kautilya). and the increasing power of the king was accompanied by a similar increase in the power of the chief priest (purohita), who by now had begun to assume the function of the chief minister, his religious status receded in the background (example: Kautilya).

10. Government The two key central officials were the Treasurer and the Chief Collector.The two key central officials were the Treasurer and the Chief Collector. The treasurer was responsible for keeping the account of the income in cash and for storing the income in kind.The treasurer was responsible for keeping the account of the income in cash and for storing the income in kind. The chief collector, assisted by a body of clerks, kept records of taxes which came from various parts of the empire.The chief collector, assisted by a body of clerks, kept records of taxes which came from various parts of the empire.

11. The Mauryan Empire In 305 Seleukos Nikator invaded the Punjab.In 305 Seleukos Nikator invaded the Punjab. It is not known whether there had been battle or not, but it is certain that Chandragupta kept the Punjab and annexed three of the richest provinces of Seleukos.It is not known whether there had been battle or not, but it is certain that Chandragupta kept the Punjab and annexed three of the richest provinces of Seleukos. Also, the border was moved to the western side of the Hindu Kush.Also, the border was moved to the western side of the Hindu Kush. The young Empire was secured.The young Empire was secured.

12. The Mauryan Empire At a higher age, Chandragupta got interested in religion.At a higher age, Chandragupta got interested in religion. According to the Jainistic tradition, Chandragupta left his throne to his son Bindusara in 301 BC and slowly hungered himself to death in a Jainistic monestry. According to the Jainistic tradition, Chandragupta left his throne to his son Bindusara in 301 BC and slowly hungered himself to death in a Jainistic monestry.

13. Succession Tradition holds that Chandragupta abdicated his throne to become a monk and eventually starved himself to death.Tradition holds that Chandragupta abdicated his throne to become a monk and eventually starved himself to death. Whether this is true or not, it is certain that his son, Bindusara, succeeded himWhether this is true or not, it is certain that his son, Bindusara, succeeded him In 297 B.C.E., added most of southern India to the growing empire.In 297 B.C.E., added most of southern India to the growing empire. The high point of the Mauryan Empire came during the reign of Chandragupta’s grandson, Asoka.The high point of the Mauryan Empire came during the reign of Chandragupta’s grandson, Asoka.

14. The Mauryan Empire is Established Life in the City and the CountryLife in the City and the Country –A Greek ambassador writes glowing praise of the empire –Chandragupta’s son rules from 301 to 269 B.C., (32 years) –Aŝoka— Chandragupta’s grandson, brings the empire to its height Mahabodhi Temple, site of first temple built by Asoka (3 rd century B.C.) on spot of Buddha’s enlightenment. Bihar, India

15. Asoka (268 – 232 BCE)  Religious conversion after the gruesome battle of Kalinga in 262 BCE.  Dedicated his life to Buddhism.  Built extensive roads.  Conflict  how to balance Kautilya’s methods of keeping power and Buddha’s demands to become a selfless person?

16. Asoka’s Empire

17. Asoka 268-232 BCE Most important ruler in ancient IndiaMost important ruler in ancient India Brutal military commander who extended the Empire throughout S. and E. IndiaBrutal military commander who extended the Empire throughout S. and E. India Battle of Kalinga - 260 BCBattle of Kalinga - 260 BC –100,000 Kalingans died –150,000 Kalingans driven from their home –More died from disease & starvation in the aftermath of the destruction brought on by the war “What have I done?”“What have I done?” Ashoka and many Indian leaders converted to Buddhism after this battle and became pacifistsAshoka and many Indian leaders converted to Buddhism after this battle and became pacifists He spent the rest of his life encouraging non-violence, moderation and Buddhist principles to IndiaHe spent the rest of his life encouraging non-violence, moderation and Buddhist principles to India

18. ASOKA’S DHAMMA The people of the Mauryan empire needed a common perspective to face all the divergent forces; the power of mercantile community, the influence of urban guilds, the strain of centralized political system, the multiplicity of races, cultures and languages in the empire.The people of the Mauryan empire needed a common perspective to face all the divergent forces; the power of mercantile community, the influence of urban guilds, the strain of centralized political system, the multiplicity of races, cultures and languages in the empire. The adoption of a new faith and its active propagation acted as a cementing force.The adoption of a new faith and its active propagation acted as a cementing force.

19. ASOKA’S DHAMMA Asoka did not regard himself as a Great Elect in his relations with his subjects, but rather a father figure.Asoka did not regard himself as a Great Elect in his relations with his subjects, but rather a father figure. “ All men are my children, and just as I desire for my children that they should obtain welfare and happiness, both in this world and the next, so do I desire (the same) for all men.”“ All men are my children, and just as I desire for my children that they should obtain welfare and happiness, both in this world and the next, so do I desire (the same) for all men.”

20. ASOKA’S DHAMMA A centralized monarchy demanded more dependence on the part of the population.A centralized monarchy demanded more dependence on the part of the population. The monarch is now regarded as the paternal benefactor and not as the servant of the state. The monarch is now regarded as the paternal benefactor and not as the servant of the state. Asoka’s dhamma was his own invention and in essence an attempt to suggest a way of life which was both practical, and convenient, as well as highly moral.Asoka’s dhamma was his own invention and in essence an attempt to suggest a way of life which was both practical, and convenient, as well as highly moral.

21. ASOKA’S DHAMMA The policy of Dhamma was the exposition of his personal relationship with Buddhism and his role as the emperor of the Mauryan empire.The policy of Dhamma was the exposition of his personal relationship with Buddhism and his role as the emperor of the Mauryan empire. He used certain aspects of Buddhism to further his own ideas, thus treating this religion not merely a religious philosophy but also as a social and intellectual force upon society.He used certain aspects of Buddhism to further his own ideas, thus treating this religion not merely a religious philosophy but also as a social and intellectual force upon society. The Edicts gave him the opportunity to expound his dhamma to its fullest context.The Edicts gave him the opportunity to expound his dhamma to its fullest context.

22. Asoka’s law code  Edicts scattered in more than 30 places in India, Nepal, Pakistan, & Afghanistan.  Written mostly in Sanskrit, but one was in Greek and Aramaic.  10 rock edicts.  Each pillar [stupa] is 40’-50’ high.  Buddhist principles dominate his laws.

23. Asoka As a Buddhist, Asoka began preaching the virtues of good work, nonviolence, and religious toleranceAs a Buddhist, Asoka began preaching the virtues of good work, nonviolence, and religious tolerance Stoopahs were built for monks throughout the empire and roads repaired, so that pilgramages could be made to religious shrinesStoopahs were built for monks throughout the empire and roads repaired, so that pilgramages could be made to religious shrines Asoka spread Buddhism to Southeast Asia and modern day Sri Lanka by dispatching missionaries throughout the regionAsoka spread Buddhism to Southeast Asia and modern day Sri Lanka by dispatching missionaries throughout the region

24. One of Asoka’s Stupas

25. A Stoopah in the Mauryan Capital of Pataliputra

26. Asoka: The Buddhist King of India – Buddhism turned Asoka, the bloodthirsty king of ancient India’s Mauryan Empire, into a peace-loving ruler.

27. Asoka’s Buddhist Rock and Pillar Edicts  spread Buddhist principles  scattered in more than 30 places in India, Nepal,Pakistan, & Afghanistan.  Each pillar is 40’-50’ high.  helped bring order and unity to India

28. Women Under an Asoka tree

29. Turmoil & a power Vacuum: 220 BCE – 320 CE Tamils The Maurya Empire is divided into many kingdoms.

30. The Mauryan Empire is Established Asoka Promotes BuddhismAsoka Promotes Buddhism –After a bloody war with Kalinga, Asoka promotes Buddhism and peace –Preaches religious toleration—accepting people of different religions –Builds roads, with wells along them

31. The best preserved of the pillars that King Ashoka erected in about 240 B.C.E. is this one in the Bihar region, near Nepal. The solid shaft of polished sandstone rises 32 feet in the air. It weighs about 50 tons, making its erection a remarkable feat of engineering. Like other Ashokan pillars, it is inscribed with accounts of Ashoka's political achievements and instructions to his subjects on proper behavior. These pillars are the earliest extant examples of Indian writing and a major historical source for the Mauryan period. (Borromeo/Art Resource, NY) Asho Ashoka’s Column

32. Sent Buddhist missionaries to neighboring landsSent Buddhist missionaries to neighboring lands India became a major crossroads in a vast trade networkIndia became a major crossroads in a vast trade network Mauryan Empire declined after his deathMauryan Empire declined after his death Asoka’s Buddhist proselytism

33. Architecture PillarsPillars Lion Capital of AsokaLion Capital of Asoka StupasStupas Barabar CavesBarabar Caves

34. Economy Controlled Khyber PassControlled Khyber Pass Trade with Greece, Hellenistic Kingdoms and Malaysian PeninsulaTrade with Greece, Hellenistic Kingdoms and Malaysian Peninsula

35. Trade/Economy Agricultural economy New canals and irrigation systems for trade and agriculture. renovated major roads throughout India. built towns for spinning & weaving textiles uniform system of currency, weights and measures Created provinces ruled by governors for tax assessments and law enforcement Taxes rose over time to build Ashoka’s projects which led to Empire’s fall at Ashoka’s death Increased trade by uniting India India traded silk, cotton, and spices to Mesopotamia, China, Egypt and Rome

36. Trade Mauryan prosperityMauryan prosperity Highways fostered commerceHighways fostered commerce -east-west highway -east-west highway Merchant quartersMerchant quarters Active exchange with adjacent countriesActive exchange with adjacent countries

37. The Mauryan Empire  Mauryan empire began to decline following death of Ashoka, 232 BC  Sons battled for power, central control weakened  Distant provinces began to slip away  Last Mauryan emperor killed by one of generals, 184 BC  Mauryan empire lasted 140 years, then collapsed

38. The Mauryan Empire Timeline 324 Chandragupta drives the Macedonian grassisons away324 Chandragupta drives the Macedonian grassisons away 305 Seleukos Nicator invades, Chandragupta gains 3 provinces and the Empire is secured305 Seleukos Nicator invades, Chandragupta gains 3 provinces and the Empire is secured 301 Bindusara becomes Emperor301 Bindusara becomes Emperor 269 Ashoka becomes Emperor269 Ashoka becomes Emperor 232 Ashoka dies, decline begins232 Ashoka dies, decline begins 184 The Empire collapses184 The Empire collapses

39. A Period of Turmoil The Breakup of the Mauryan EmpireThe Breakup of the Mauryan Empire –Asoka dies in 232 B.C.; kingdoms in central India soon break away –The Andhra Dynasty dominates central India for centuries –Northern India receives immigrants from Greece and other parts of Asia –Tamils—a people living in southern India—remain separate and frequently war with rival peoples.

40. After the Mauryans: Regional Rule and the Rise of Jainism and Buddhism

41. Jainism – like Hindu and Buddhism Believe in karma, dharma and MokshaBelieve in karma, dharma and Moksha expected to follow five principles of living:expected to follow five principles of living: Ahimsa: "non violence in all parts of a person -- mental, verbal and physical."Ahimsa: "non violence in all parts of a person -- mental, verbal and physical." Satya: speaking truth; avoiding falsehoodSatya: speaking truth; avoiding falsehood Asteya: to not steal from othersAsteya: to not steal from others Brahma-charya: (soul conduct); remaining sexually monogamous to one's spouse onlyBrahma-charya: (soul conduct); remaining sexually monogamous to one's spouse only Aparigraha: detach from people, places and material things. Avoiding the collection of excessive material possessions, abstaining from over-indulgence, restricting one's needsAparigraha: detach from people, places and material things. Avoiding the collection of excessive material possessions, abstaining from over-indulgence, restricting one's needs

42. Regional Kingdoms and local rule 185 BCE to CE 300 Northern IndiaNorthern India –Invading HUNS built new small regional kingdoms Hindu Kush civilizationsHindu Kush civilizations –Most powerful regional kingdoms for trade across the region and along the Silk Road Jainism grew in influence during this time of confusion since the leaders pushing Hindu and Buddhism were weakenedJainism grew in influence during this time of confusion since the leaders pushing Hindu and Buddhism were weakened