Literary Sources of the Mauryan Period

The Mauryan Empire was not just known for its illustrious emperors. It was also known for its exceptional expansion in the fields of art, architecture, and literature, among other things. During this time, literacy underwent a significant transformation. Kautilya’s Arthashastra is the major literary source of the Mauryan period. As we know, Kautilya or Chanakya was Chandragupta’s mentor and advisor. This book contains detailed information on the administrative functions and state policies of the Mauryan empire during Chandragupta’s time.

Literary Sources of Mauryan Period

There are various literacy references for the Mauryan period. Arthashastra by Kautilya, Indica by Megasthenes, Puranas, Buddhist Literature, Jain Literature are famous literary sources of Mauryan period. 

Arthashastra by Kautilya 

Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, was Chandragupta’s Prime Minister. He counselled him and contributed to the empire’s legacy. Kautilya is noted for producing the Arthashastra, a treatise on leadership and administration, in addition to being a political strategist. Arthashastra explains how a state’s economics and authority should be organised. Arthashastra mentions a city administration official called the Nagaraka, who had Sthanikas and Gopas under him.

Indica by Megasthenes

The author of this book, Megasthenes, shared a good relationship with Chandragupta. Megasthenes was a Greek Ambassador but was impressed with the administrative functions of the Mauryas which he mentioned in his book. 

Puranas

In Vishnu Purana, it is mentioned that the Nanda Dynasty was destroyed by Chandragupta. 

Buddhist Literature

Texts on Buddhism like the Jatakas, Digha Nikaya, and Sumangalavilasini provide sufficient information about the history of the Mauryan Empire.

Jain Literature

The Jaina Parishishta Parvan was written by Hemchandra. It describes, in detail, the various aspects of Chandragupta’s life including his embrace of Jainism. The Jaina Kalpasutra by Acharya Bhadrabahu captured the Mauryan history. 

Famous Poets and Writers in Court

There were many famous poets who contributed to the upliftment of literature of the Mauryan age, including:

• Kalidasa
• Banbhatta
• Vishakhadatta
• Harisena
• Kalhana

Literary Schools of the Mauryan Age

The arrival of the first century CE brought the emergence of different art productions at Gandhara (today in Pakistan), Mathura in north India and Vengi in Andhra Pradesh. 

Gandhara School

• The symbolic form of Buddha got the human form
• There was a confluence of Bactrian, Parthian, and local Gandhara traditions
• Hellenistic features were introduced

Mathura School

• Similar to the Gandhara School, the symbolic form of Buddha got the human form
• A bulk of the Buddha images were moulded on the lines of Yaksha images
• Round and smiling faces were seen. Additionally, the heavy sculpture was diminished to give a relaxed feel
• Garments gained visibility and the garments covered the left shoulder
• Drapery folds are visible, and the head halo is beautifully decorated.
• The ayudhas or weapons carried imagery related to Vaishnava (Vishnu) and Shaiva (lingas, mukhalingam) faiths
• Over time, the artwork of Mathura spread to other parts of the world too A similar stupa-like structure is found in Sanghol, Punjab

Evolution of Buddha Images in the Mathura School

• The second century CE saw the rise of images that came out to be more rotund, fleshier, and sensuous
• In the late fourth century CE, drapery was reduced and the flesh was tightened
• Additionally, the volume of drapery was reduced
• The fifth and sixth centuries CE transferred drapery into sculptural mass
• The garments seen in the images of the Buddha came with a transparent aspect

Sarnath School 

• Two of the most prominent centres of Post-Mauryan art were Sarnath and Kosambi. 
• Most Buddha images came with plain and transparent drapery, covering both the shoulders. 
• The halo had minimal ornamentation.
• Devnimori in Gujarat is one of the most important sites outside the Gangetic valley.

Conclusion

The Mauryan Empire was an extensive historical power in South Asia that was founded by Chandragupta Maurya. In the Mauryan period, the king was known as the head of the state and it was controlled by the military of the Mauryan empire. Agriculture was the economy’s backbone under the Mauryas. However, trade was becoming increasingly significant. Throughout most of the Indian subcontinent, the Mauryan empire had famous poets and writers in court. As a result of their literary sources of the Mauryan period, we can learn about the growth of literature throughout the Mauryan empire.