Mauryan and Post Mauryan Age

Introduction

The Mauryan age was a geographically widespread empire based in Magadha. Founded in 322 BCE by Chandragupta Maurya, the empire was centralised by the Indo-Gangetic Plain takeover that also covered its capital city Pataliputra (now Patna). This age saw impeccable growth of agriculture, finance, internal and external trade, security, and administration. Stonemasonry and Indian art were two of the major things that briefly flourished throughout this glorious age. However, things began to change during Ashoka’s rule (268-232 BCE). Within the span of the next five decades, the empire gradually dissipated and soon dissolved with the assassination of Brihadratha in 185 BCE. 

The Mauryan Empire

The Mauryan and post-Mauryan ages were some of the most glorious times in Indian history. The great empire founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 322 BCE set the mark for technological advancements along with numerous economic achievements that occurred during that time. With Chanakya as the leading consultant of the king, Chandragupta conquered the Nanda Dynasty and began to expand the empire across central and western India.

Northwest Expansion of the Mauryan Empire

After acquiring vast supremacy in Magadha, Chandragupta also accomplished victory over the remaining Macedonian satraps. His expansion across this region became simpler due to the deviation of local powers by  Greek armies. Within a year or two, the Mauryan Empire completely assimilated the Northwest part of India. It was one of those remarkable expansions in history that made it the world’s largest empire of that era.

Governance of the Mauryan Empire

The Mauryans did not only accumulate different polities to form a huge empire, but they also introduced some suitable administrative rules for public welfare. Here are some highlights of the well-planned governance of the Mauryan Empire that reflect the significance of the Mauryan and Post-Mauryan ages:

• The empire had a monarchical system with a king as the central political entity. These kings received the guidance of the council of ministers and followed the Arthashastra for economic improvements. Some inscriptions suggest that Ashoka saw everyone in his empire as his children for their optimal well-being
• The Arthashastra also explains that Amatya was the most vital aspect of the kingdom after the king. The Amatya covered department heads, counsellors, and high-ranking officials along with Mantra-Parishad and Mantri-Parishad. There were also Samahartris (chief revenue collectors), Sannidhatris (in charge of the royal treasure), Antaravamshika (chief of palace guard), and Dauvarika (chief of palace attendants)
• The large army in the Mauryan Empire was highly trained and well-maintained by the state. It was divided into four separate divisions such as infantry, cavalry, chariots, and elephants. The king was always the supreme command of the military
• To remain informed on the ongoing public opinions, Kings took the help of Pulisani and Prativedakas. Sancharas were appointed to roam around and check the happenings in the society. As per the Mauryan provincial administration, there were a total of four provinces, including the southern province (centre at Suvarnagiri), northern province (headquarter at Taxila), western province (headquarter at Ujjaini), and eastern province (centre at Tosali)

Post-Mauryan Age

The Bactrian Greeks: The fall of the great Mauryan Empire began after the death of King Ashoka in 232 BCE. The difference between the Mauryan and Post-Mauryan ages started with the assassination of the last Mauryan king Brihadratha by Pushyamitra Shunga. However, it didn’t last very long as Bactrian Greeks or Indo-Greeks were the first to invade India after the empire dissolved in 185 BCE. The Indo-Greeks were the first to issue coins in India.

The Shakas: Soon after their establishment, the Greek kingdom started to fall in the northwest region of India caused by central Asia’s nomadic tribes. The group had Scythians as the power who were pressured by the consolidated Chinese empire under Shi Huang Ti. The Scythians who successfully occupied the land from the Greeks were also called Shakas.

The Parthians: The ruling session of the Shakas was followed by the Parthians, and they both were called “Shaka-Pahlavas.” The Parthians initially lived in Iran and then later moved to India. The Parthians were then followed by Kushanas with two successive dynasties in the post-Mauryan age.

Ashoka’s Dhamma

The word “Dhamma” originally means Dharma. Ashoka’s Dhamma were some of the principles set by the king to establish a social balance where everyone receives equal respect and identity.

Most historians try to connect his ideologies with Buddhism. However, he became a monk only for a short period. Thus, most of these principles were directed to improving the social-economic conditions in a vastly expanded empire.

Ashoka the Great presented his ideas of managing the vast empire with generosity through edicts. His views throughout different years of his life are encrypted on these edicts that are divided into two parts. One part entails his experience and exploration from his time spent as a Buddhist. The other part covers the inscription of rocks and pillars. Some of the most crucial edicts reflect the following:

• Prohibition of animal sacrifice
• Proper medical treatment of humans and animals, and construction of the roads
• Liberality towards the Brahmanas and Sramanas along with great respect for everyone’s parents
• The uselessness of several ceremonies, and the renunciation of fame and glory
• Finding simpler and more generous ways of conquest than to go to war

Conclusion

Despite the abundant financial and agricultural growth during that time, the Mauryan Empire declined over the years and disappeared in 185 BCE. Then came the coinage age, which is also known as the age of Post-Mauryan coinage. A gigantic empire was broken into multiple polities that mainly included the Shunga Empire, Yona Kings, and the Satavahana Empire. The enormous decline of such a vast empire also led to the establishment of the Indo-Greek Kingdom. The foreign invasion commenced in 180 BCE when the Greco-Bactrian Demetrius took over several parts of north-western India and southern Afghanistan. Although, this invasion didn’t last for long in Northwest India, and the area was occupied by the Shaka tribe after a conquest.