The art and architecture of the Mauryan Empire constitutes the culminating point of the progress of Indian art. The period was marked by mature use of stone and production of masterpieces. Classification: The Mauryan period art and architecture, except that of the relics of the palace of … [Read more...]
Mauryan Economy
The economy of Mauryan Empire was sound. The Mauryas established a centralized government which contributed to the economic progress of the country. Agriculture was the principal backbone of Mauryan Economy. The cultivators were the most numerous classes. Land revenue was the principal source of … [Read more...]
Samrat Ashoka (Emperor Ashoka Maurya)
Samrat Ashoka, also known as Ashoka the Great, is regarded as one of the greatest emperor in Indian History. He was the son of Bindusara Maurya and grandson of Chandragupta Maurya. He was born on 304 B.C. The ascession of Samrat Ashoka Maurya to the throne of Magadha Empire marks the beginning of a … [Read more...]
King Bindusara Maurya
Introduction: Bindusara Maurya was the second Mauryan Emperor. He succeeded to the throne on 298 B.C. His father was Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of Maurya dynasty. The mother of Bindusara was Durdhara, who was one of the wives of Chandragupta. He was born in 320 B.C. Chanakya, the famous … [Read more...]
History of Chandragupta Maurya (Sandrocottus)
Introduction: King Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of Maurya Empire. He is also known as Sandrocottus among Greek. He was born in 340 B.C. and died in about 298 B.C. He was succeeded by his son Bindusara. Chandragupta Maurya had to struggle against Dhana Nanda twice. In his first struggle he … [Read more...]
Decline of Mauryas
The decline of Mauryas started immediately after the death of Asoka. The fact that Asoka gave up conquests and preached non-violence reacted unfavorably on the military position of the Empire and rendered it weak. The sons and grandsons of Ashoka divided the empire amongst them and began to rule … [Read more...]
Importance of Ashoka
King Ashoka was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya. Asoka holds an important position not only in the history of India, but in the history of the world as well. Few characters in world history can stand comparison with him. He stands head and shoulders above them. The importance of Ashoka in … [Read more...]
Mauryan Government
Mauryan Government Principles and working of civil administration of Mauryan Government The civil administration of the Mauryan government was highly efficient and well-organized. According to Megasthenes, there were two classes of superior civil officials the Agoranomi and the Astyomi. In the … [Read more...]
Chandragupta Maurya (Founder of Mauryan Dynasty)
Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Mauryan Dynasty. The origin and early life of Chandragupta is shrouded in mystery. The earliest Indian tradition preserved in the Puranas is silent on this point. It merely says that Kautilya placed Chandragupta on the throne of Magadha Kingdom in place of … [Read more...]
Chanakya’s Arthashastra
Arthashastra (also Arthasastra) is an ancient treatise on economic, political and military administration of the state. It was written by Chanakya (also Kautilya, Vishnu Gupta). Arthashastra is the most authentic and important sources for shaping the history of the Mauryan Empire. There are fifteen … [Read more...]