The Mauryan Empire, one of ancient India’s most significant dynasties, has been extensively studied through various sources. These sources can be categorized into two main types: literary sources and archaeological sources. Each of these offers valuable insights into the political, economic, and social aspects of the empire, as well as the reign of Emperor Ashoka.
Sources of Mauryan Empire
Contemporary Texts
Sanskrit Texts
- Arthashastra – A compilation of 15 books, traditionally attributed to Kautilya (Chanakya), the minister of Chandragupta Maurya. This text focuses on political economy and governance, covering topics such as:
- Chapter 1: Role of the king
- Chapter 13: Internal affairs
- Chapter 15: State economy, politics, and administration
- Mrichhakatika – A 2nd-century BCE Sanskrit drama by Shudraka, narrating the love story of Charudatta, a wealthy merchant, and Vasantasena, the daughter of a courtesan.
- Indica – Written by Megasthenes, a Greek ambassador in Chandragupta’s court. Although it survives in fragments, it provides details about the Mauryan army and society, including references to the Pandyas of Madurai and Rani Mangamal.
Read about– Evolution of Janapadas
Buddhist Texts
- Deepvamsa and Mahavamsa – Sri Lankan chronicles (4th-5th century CE) mentioning the expansion of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and King Ashoka’s missionary efforts through his children, Sanghmitra and Mahendra.
- Asokavadana & Divyavadana – Collections of legends portraying Ashoka’s personality, his expedition to Taxila, and his transformation post-Kalinga war.
Jain Literature
- Kalpasutra – Written by Bhadrabahu, this text states that Chandragupta Maurya performed Sallekhana (ritual fasting to death) at Shravanabelagola.
Non-Contemporary Texts
- Parshvanatha (Staviravali Charita) – A Sanskrit Maha-Kavya by Hemchandra, documenting Magadha’s history.
- Mudrarakshasa – A 4th-century AD Sanskrit drama by Vishakhadatta detailing Chandragupta’s rise with Kautilya’s help.
- Puranas – Various Puranic texts, such as Matsya Purana, mention Mauryan rulers like Dasaratha and Samprati.
Archaeological Sources
Numismatics (Study of Coins)
The Mauryan Empire issued the largest number of punched-marked coins, reflecting economic growth. Various metal coins mentioned in the Arthashastra include:
- Rupyarupa/Karshapana/Pana (Silver coins)
- Tamrarupa/Mashaka (Copper coins)
- Suvarnarupa/Niskha (Gold coins)
- Sisarupa (Lead coins)
Inscriptions
Notable Inscriptions
- Sohgaura Copper Plate Inscription (UP) – Written in Prakrit and Brahmi script, discussing food warehouses for flood relief.
- Mahasthan Circular Stone Inscription (Bogra, Bangladesh) – An epigraphic record of provisions against natural calamities.
- Junagarh Rock Inscription – Contains Ashoka’s Major Rock Edicts, along with inscriptions from later rulers like Rudradaman and Skandagupta.
Scripts and Languages
- Most inscriptions were in Prakrit using Brahmi script.
- Kharosthi script was used in inscriptions found in Taxila and Afghanistan.
- Bilingual inscriptions in Greek and Aramaic were found in Kandahar.
- James Prinsep deciphered Brahmi and Kharosthi in 1837.
Ashoka’s Edicts
Categories of Edicts
- Minor Rock Edicts (10th-11th year of Ashoka’s rule): Early edicts emphasizing Dhamma.
- Major Rock Edicts (12th year onward): Cover governance, morality, and administration.
- Minor Pillar Edicts (12th year onward): Found in North India.
- Major Pillar Edicts (26th-27th year onward): Found in North India.
Important Edicts and Locations
Minor Rock Edicts
- Edict 1: Spreading Dhamma, mentions Ashoka by name in Maski and Gujjarra.
- Edict 2: Ethical instructions.
- Edict 3: Present only in Bhabru, advising adherence to Sangha teachings.
Read about- Mauryan Empire
Major Rock Edicts
| Edict | Description |
|---|---|
| I | Ban on animal sacrifices |
| II | Healthcare for humans and animals, mentions Pandyas and Keralaputras |
| III | Promotes generosity to Brahmins |
| IV | Replaces war drum (Bherighosha) with Dhamma drum (Dhammaghosha) |
| V | Humanitarian reforms, mentions Dhamma mahamatras |
| XIII | Ashoka’s transformation post-Kalinga war, references Greek kings |
Pillar Edicts
| Location | Contains Edict | Capital |
| Sarnath | Sangha protection | 4 Lions |
| Sanchi | Sangha protection | 4 Lions |
| Allahabad | Queen’s edict, Major Edicts 1-6 | 1 Lion (lost) |
Commemorative Pillars
| Location | Edict | Capital |
| Lumbini | Declared tax-free | None |
| Nigali Sagar | Commemorates stupa enlargement | None |
Final Thoughts
The Mauryan Empire, particularly Ashoka’s rule, is well-documented through literary and archaeological sources. His edicts, spread across modern-day India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, provide deep insights into his governance, Dhamma policies, and administrative strategies. These records not only illuminate ancient Indian history but also showcase Ashoka as a visionary ruler whose principles of governance and moral philosophy influenced later civilizations.
