Chapter 9 Post Mauryan India
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History of Rich India during Maurya Empire
6. Akhand Bharat during Maurya Dynasty
"Akhand Bharat" is a concept rooted
in Hindu nationalist ideology that envisions the unification of all lands
historically considered part of the Indian subcontinent. This concept emerged
in the context of various historical empires and dynasties, including the
Maurya Dynasty.
During the Maurya Dynasty (c. 322 BCE – 185
BCE), under the rule of Emperor Chandragupta Maurya and later his grandson
Ashoka the Great, the Mauryan Empire reached its zenith, encompassing much of
the Indian subcontinent. The extent of the Mauryan Empire included regions
spanning from present-day Afghanistan and parts of Iran in the northwest to
almost the entire Indian subcontinent, stretching to present-day Bangladesh and
the southern regions of India.
The Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta Maurya
and Ashoka was one of the largest empires in ancient India, known for its
efficient administration, promotion of trade and commerce, and the spread of
Buddhism under Ashoka's rule. However, it's important to note that the concept
of "Akhand Bharat" as understood in contemporary Hindu nationalist
discourse didn't exist during the Maurya Dynasty.
The idea of "Akhand Bharat" gained
popularity much later, particularly during the Indian independence movement and
post-independence period, often associated with the idea of a culturally and
historically unified Indian subcontinent, including regions that are now part
of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.
So, while the Mauryan Empire did rule over a
vast swath of territory in the Indian subcontinent, the concept of "Akhand
Bharat" as it's understood today was not explicitly articulated or pursued
during that historical period.
7. Spread of Buddhism during Maurya Dynasty
During the Maurya Dynasty in ancient India (c.
321 BCE – 185 BCE), Buddhism experienced significant growth and patronage under
the reign of Emperor Ashoka (r. 268 BCE – 232 BCE). Here are some key points
regarding the spread of Buddhism during the Maurya Dynasty:
1. Conversion of Emperor Ashoka: One of the most significant events in the
spread of Buddhism during the Maurya Dynasty was the conversion of Emperor
Ashoka to Buddhism after the Kalinga War (c. 261 BCE). This war caused immense
bloodshed and suffering, leading Ashoka to renounce violence and embrace the
teachings of Buddhism.
2. Edicts of Ashoka: Ashoka was a prolific inscriber, and he had his edicts inscribed
on pillars and rocks across his empire, spreading the principles of Buddhism.
These edicts propagated moral virtues, social harmony, and non-violence, which
were central tenets of Buddhism.
3. Establishment of Monasteries and Stupas: Ashoka patronized the construction of
monasteries for Buddhist monks and nunneries for Buddhist nuns. He also erected
numerous stupas, which served as important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists and
contained relics associated with Buddha.
4. Diplomatic Efforts: Ashoka sent Buddhist emissaries
(Dharmaraksitas) to various regions, including Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and
even to Hellenistic kingdoms, to spread the teachings of Buddhism.
5. Support for Buddhist Sangha: Ashoka provided significant support to the Buddhist monastic
community (Sangha) by exempting them from certain taxes, granting them land,
and providing other forms of patronage.
6. Spread to Neighboring Regions: Under Ashoka's reign, Buddhism spread beyond the Indian
subcontinent into neighboring regions such as Sri Lanka, Nepal, Central Asia,
and Southeast Asia. Missionaries sent by Ashoka played a crucial role in this
spread.
7. Legacy: Although Buddhism had existed prior to
the Maurya Dynasty, Ashoka's patronage and conversion played a pivotal role in
its widespread acceptance and growth, particularly within the Indian
subcontinent and neighboring regions.
8. Decline of during Maurya Dynasty
The Maurya Dynasty, which ruled over much of
the Indian subcontinent from around 322 BCE to 185 BCE, experienced several
factors contributing to its decline. Here are some of the key reasons:
1. Succession Issues: After the death of Emperor Ashoka, who was one of the most
prominent rulers of the Maurya Dynasty, there were succession disputes among
his heirs. Weak successors and infighting weakened the central authority,
leading to fragmentation and eventual collapse.
2. Administrative Challenges: The vastness of the Mauryan Empire posed significant administrative
challenges. Maintaining control over such a large territory required efficient
governance systems. As the empire expanded, it became increasingly difficult to
manage effectively, leading to administrative inefficiencies and corruption.
3. Economic Strain: The Mauryan Empire's extensive military campaigns, including those
of Emperor Ashoka, put a strain on the empire's resources. The cost of
maintaining a large army and administering such a vast territory led to
economic pressures. Additionally, the decline in trade due to instability
within the empire further exacerbated economic woes.
4. Revolts and Regionalism: Various regions within the Mauryan Empire started asserting their
independence or autonomy. Local governors and regional leaders became increasingly
powerful, challenging the central authority of the Mauryan kings. This internal
strife weakened the empire's unity and contributed to its decline.
5. Foreign Invasions: External invasions also played a role in the decline of the Maurya
Dynasty. In particular, the invasion of northwest India by the Greeks under
Alexander the Great's successors, such as Seleucus I Nicator, weakened the
Mauryan Empire's control over these regions.
6. Dynastic Decline: Following the fragmentation of the Mauryan Empire, various regional
powers emerged, marking the end of Maurya rule. The Shunga Dynasty succeeded
the Mauryas in parts of northern India, while other regions saw the rise of new
dynasties.
9. Conclusion
The Maurya Dynasty, which ruled over much of
the Indian subcontinent from around 322 BCE to 185 BCE, marked a significant
period in Indian history. The conclusion of the Maurya Dynasty is generally
attributed to various factors, including internal strife, external invasions,
and administrative challenges.
1. Decline of Central Authority: One significant factor contributing to
the decline of the Maurya Dynasty was the weakening of central authority. As
the empire expanded, it became increasingly difficult to govern such a vast
territory effectively. Provincial governors gained more autonomy, leading to
fragmentation and weakened control from the central administration.
2. Succession Issues: Succession disputes often plagued the
Mauryan rulers. After the death of Ashoka, the last prominent Mauryan emperor,
there was a succession struggle among his descendants. Weak leadership and
infighting weakened the stability of the empire.
3. Economic Factors: Economic challenges also played a role in the decline of the
Maurya Dynasty. The maintenance of a large army and extensive bureaucratic
machinery strained the imperial finances. Additionally, the empire's extensive
trade networks faced competition and disruption, impacting revenue generation.
4. External Threats: External invasions and pressure from
foreign powers further weakened the Mauryan Empire. The Greek invasion under
Alexander the Great and subsequent incursions by Central Asian nomadic tribes
such as the Indo-Greeks and the Sakas posed significant challenges to the
empire's borders.
5. Social Unrest: Social unrest, including discontent among
the peasantry and revolts by regional governors, added to the instability of
the Mauryan Empire. The imposition of heavy taxes and the burden of corvée
labor led to dissatisfaction among the common people.
6. Religious and Ideological Shifts: The spread of Buddhism under Ashoka had a unifying effect on the
empire during his reign. However, after his death, subsequent rulers may not
have been able to maintain the same level of support for Buddhist principles.
This shift in ideological focus could have contributed to social fragmentation.
7. End of the Dynasty: The Maurya Dynasty finally came to an end
around 185 BCE with the assassination of the last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha,
by his general Pushyamitra Shunga, who then established the Shunga Dynasty.
This marked the transition to a new period in Indian history.
In conclusion, the decline of the Maurya Dynasty was a complex process involving a combination of internal and external factors. Despite its eventual collapse, the Mauryan Empire left a lasting legacy in Indian history, particularly through its administrative innovations, cultural achievements, and the spread of Buddhism.