The Age Of The Maurya FULL CHAPTER | RS Sharma Chapter 14 | UPSC Preparation
PW OnlyIAS Prarambh・61 minutes read
The text delves into the history of the Mauryan Empire, detailing Chandragupta Maurya's rise to power, administration, military prowess, and Ashoka's significant contributions to Buddhism and ethical governance. The Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka's reign promoted unity, non-violence, and cultural values through their governance, leaving a lasting legacy of peace and tolerance in ancient history.
Insights
- Chandragupta Maurya's victory over Seleucus Nicator in 305 BC marked a significant event in Indian history, liberating North-Western India and establishing a matrimonial alliance between the two rulers.
- Ashoka's reign focused on promoting unity and cultural values through Dhamma, leading to significant social changes such as the prohibition of animal slaughter and the evolution of women's rights, setting a unique precedent in history without known predecessors.
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Recent questions
Who founded the Mauryan Dynasty?
Chandragupta Maurya
What were the main provinces of the Mauryan Empire?
Uttara Pat, South Path, Avanti Rath
What were the key economic activities under Chandragupta Maurya?
Revenue from new lands, agricultural taxes, irrigation services, toll taxes
How did Ashoka promote unity in the Mauryan Empire?
Enforcing a common language, Dhamma Ghosh
What was Ashoka's legacy in the Mauryan Empire?
Pioneering peace policy, promoting tolerance and coexistence
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Summary
00:00
"Mauryan Empire: Rise and Conquests"
- The text discusses R S Sharma's Old NCRT Chapter Number 14, focusing on the Mauryan Empire in ancient history.
- It outlines the progression of historical periods, starting with the Stone Age, Harappan Civilization, and the Vedic Period divided into early and later Vedic periods.
- The Vedic Period is noted to end around 500 BC, leading to discussions on Iranian and Macedonian attacks, followed by the Mahajanapada period.
- The text delves into the Magadha Period, mentioning dynasties like Hariya, Nag, Shishunag, and Nanda.
- Alexander's invasion and the Battle of Jhelum are highlighted, with Dhananand's large army causing Alexander's retreat.
- Alexander appoints a governor in Balochistan before returning to Babylon, where he encounters Celik Nicator.
- Chandragupta Maurya's rise to power with Chanakya's help is detailed, with two theories on his origin discussed.
- Chandragupta's defeat of Nandadas is attributed to Chanakya, leading to the establishment of the Mauryan Dynasty.
- Justin's claim of Chandragupta's army of six lakhs is mentioned, along with his defeat of Celik Nicator and the strengthening of his army in Taksila.
- The text concludes with a significant battle in 305 BC, showcasing Chandragupta Maurya's military prowess.
15:12
Chandragupta Maurya: India's Liberating Emperor
- Chandragupta Maurya liberated India from the control of Seleucus.
- The battle between Chandragupta Maurya and Seleucus Nicator resulted in Chandragupta's victory in 305 BC.
- Chandragupta successfully liberated North-Western India from Seleucus.
- A peace agreement was reached between Chandragupta Maurya and Seleucus Nicator, with Chandragupta receiving 500 elephants.
- Chandragupta Maurya and Seleucus Nicator entered into a matrimonial alliance through the marriage of their children.
- Chandragupta Maurya built a vast empire that included Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and parts of South India.
- The Mauryan Empire was organized into provinces, with five main provinces including Uttara Pat, South Path, and Avanti Rath.
- Megasthenes provided accounts of Chandragupta Maurya's administration, society, and economy in his writings known as Indica.
- The Arthashastra of Kautilya also offers insights into the administration, army, and economy of the Mauryan Empire.
- Chandragupta Maurya's autocratic rule concentrated all powers in his hands, with a council of ministers assisting him in governing the empire.
31:09
Morian Governance and Military in Ancient India
- Ujjain was the capital of the fourth Kalinga, which was part of the Oriental Path.
- Magadha, with its capital at Patliputra, was a central area divided into provinces.
- The Council of Ministers assisting the king included the Crown Prince, Priest, Commander in Chief, and Minister.
- Important cities like Patliputra, Kaushambi, Ujjain, and Gaya were significant during the Morian times.
- The Morian governance focused on the king's happiness and listening to the subjects' problems.
- The administration in Pataliputra consisted of six committees, each with five members handling specific tasks.
- The Morian army was notable for its 6 lakh foot soldiers, 300 cavalry, 9000 elephants, and a navy.
- The management of the armed forces was overseen by a council of 30 officers divided into six committees.
- The Morian naval administration was considered three times more powerful than the Nanda empire.
- Economic activities under Chandragupta Maurya included revenue from new lands, taxes on agricultural produce, irrigation services, and toll taxes.
46:01
Ashoka's Governance and Cultural Contributions
- Ashoka appointed different officers to handle appointments and punish those who spoiled them.
- Ashoka made provisions for appointments and punishments to maintain order.
- Ashoka's biography is based on Buddhist stories, which are considered fictional and unreliable.
- Ashoka's inscriptions on rocks and pillars were crucial for understanding his reign.
- Ashoka promoted unity by enforcing a common language in his empire.
- Ashoka's major contributions included replacing physical constraints with cultural values through Dhamma Ghosh.
- Ashoka communicated with his subjects through inscriptions and encryption on rocks and pillars.
- Ashoka's inscriptions often exaggerated numbers, using terms like "hundreds" and "thousands."
- Ashoka's Kalinga War led to a significant change in his approach, promoting non-violence and cultural values.
- Ashoka aimed to strengthen his empire through Dhamma and ethical governance, appointing officials to spread his ideas and policies.
01:01:38
Ashoka's Peaceful Legacy in Mauryan Empire
- Fishermen and farmers stopped hunting and killing animals, following Ashoka's example.
- Ashoka transitioned to becoming a monk, making significant contributions to Buddhism.
- He organized the Third Buddhist Council and dispatched missionaries to spread Buddhism.
- Ashoka appointed Dharma Mahamats to propagate religion and maintain social order.
- He prohibited animal slaughter, evolved women's rights, and forbade killing specific birds.
- Ashoka emphasized good behavior leading to heaven, promoting tolerance and coexistence.
- His teachings focused on maintaining social order, respecting all individuals, and promoting kindness.
- Ashoka's policy of peace and cultural exchange had a significant impact on the Mauryan Empire.
- Ashoka's legacy lies in his pioneering peace policy, unique in history, with no known predecessors.
