Mauryan Empire: Transport, Economy and Society

Trade and enterprise were government affairs, with the government being able to own and operate businesses in the same way that regular individuals might. Taxes were used to fund the royal budget (and war booty). The monarch also held wood property, forest area, hunting groves, and manufacturing facilities, which he sold off as excess. Coinage, mining, salt production, armaments manufacturing, and boat construction were all monopolised by the state.

Transportation

The ‘golden period’ of roads was the Mughal era. By that time, India had all of the necessary tools to rule the large empire. With the arrival of the British, India saw a new awakening. The East India Company took the initiative in resurrecting and upgrading the historic routes. Western technology was introduced, and strong ties were developed, giving the British the opportunity to control India for nearly two centuries.

From Patliputra to Nepal, the royal route passed through Vaishali and Champaran. Another route in the Himalayan foothills stretched from Vaishali to Kasi, Kapilvastu, and Peshawar, passing via Champaran. Other highways ran through the empire, connecting vital areas. This made transportation easier. Rivers were also employed as communication channels.

The Mauryan empire had well-developed royal highways. The nodal point of all communication and transport was Ujjain. Some of the popular means of transportation were –

• Dakshinavarti Marga-Highway from Ujjain to Kanyakumari

• Uttarapatha- Highway from Taxila to Kanyakumari

• Important ports- Broach/ Barygaza in the west and Tamralipti in the east

• There was a road department that was independent from the rest of the department
• Cattle paths, people, chariots, and other types of transportation all had varying widths. The Department of Highways was responsible for managing the trunk roads
• On both sides of the road, trees were planted
• On the way, inns were built
• There were nurseries and drinking water amenities such as wells and canals

Economy

Most of the economic activities were controlled by the state. The tax collected from peasants varies from 1/4 to 1/6 of the produce. Irrigation facilities were provided mainly by Setubandha and were charged water tax. Tolls were levied at gates on goods brought from towns.

In Sohgaura (UP) and Mahasthana (Bangladesh), famine relief measures were mentioned. Standard units of transactions were mainly in silver coins, generally punch-marked coins. Retail and wholesale prices of goods were under the control of Adhyaksha and ensured its continuous supply.

During ancient times, the king’s share of the produce, called Bhaga, was 1/6th of the produce, as mentioned in the Arthashastra. Irrigation taxes like Kara, Bali, and Udaka-Bhaga, also called as water rate constituting 1/5th-1/3rd of the crop, were mentioned by Kautilya.

During that period, special measures were taken for economic development to promote the economy. As a result, trade was prevalent with foreign countries. 

Traded items included indigo, medicinal substances, cotton as well as silk. Trade with foreign countries was carried through both lands and a sea route. Trade routes were facilitated with special arrangements like the security of trade routes, provisions of warehouses, go-downs, and other means of transport.

• Different Names- Shrine, Puga, Nigama, Sangha, Gana, Head- Jyestha, Shrestha

• Term for mobile Guild- Sartha, Head of the portable guild- Sarthavaha.

• Shrenidharma

• Guilds’ rules and regulations.

• Recognized by Dharmasastra.

• It had the force of law

Society

Society was divided into seven castes as described in the Megasthenese writings; these are namely Philosophers, Farmers, Soldiers, Herdsmen, Artisans, Magistrates, and Councillors. However, Megasthenese failed to comprehend Indian society and were confused among the terms Jati, Varna, and the occupation.

Society was governed based on the Chatur Varna system. Women enjoyed high positions and freedom. Women were permitted to have divorced or remarry. Women were employed as personal bodyguards of the king.

On misbehaving with women, Kautilya also laid down penalties against officials in charge of workshops and prison. Magesthenes denied slavery as a recognized institution.

• Craftsmen occupied a prominent position in society as the urban way of life grew
• The Brahmans’ primary occupation was teaching
• Buddhist monasteries grew in importance as educational institutions. Famous educational centres were Taxila, Ujjayini, and Varanasi
• Guilds were commonly used to offer technical education, with students learning the skills from an early age

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 during the Mauryas, however, trade was growing increasingly significant. Throughout most of India, the Mauryan empire propagated Aryan civilization. As a result of their incorporation into Aryan civilization, it aided the economic growth of the regions.