Nandan Dutta: July 2024

Successes and achievements of Gautamiputra Satakarni as a ruler and conqueror.

Who was the best emperor of the Satavahana dynasty? Discuss his achievements.

Discuss the success and achievements of Gautamiputra Satakarni as a ruler and conqueror.

Gautamiputra Satakarni.

After the fall of the Maurya empire, several kingdoms were built on top of this ruined empire. Namely - Shunga Kingdom of North India, Kharbel Kingdom of Orissa and Satavahana Kingdom of West and South India. Among them, the Satavahana empire occupied an important place in terms of expansion and stability. Dr. Hemchandra Roy Chowdhury believes that the Satavahana Kingdom was established in the first century BC. But historians such as Smith think that the Satavahana dynasty existed from the third century BC, especially from 235 BC to 225 BC. The best emperor of this dynasty was Gautamiputra Satakarni.

(A) Historical Controversy Regarding Satavahana Dynasty :-

There is historical debate about the Satavahana dynasty. However, it has been possible to determine Gautamiputra's reign from a few sources. He was a contemporary of Nahapan and defeated him decisively. This event is believed to have happened in 124 - 125 AD. That is because there is no evidence of Nahapan's existence after that. It is also believed that he defeated Nahapana in the eighteenth year of Gautamiputra's reign. So, his reign began in 106 AD. His last work was written in the twenty-fourth year of his reign. He was probably crippled then. Because this text was written in association with Gautami Balashri. Thus, his reign can be dated between 106 and 130 AD.

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(B) Inscription of Gautami Balashri :-

The inscriptions of Gautami Balashri, the mother of Gautamiputra Satakarni, provide a detailed account of her reign and conquest of the kingdom. This inscription describes Gautamiputra Satakarni as a orthodox Brahmin and the ouster of the Shakas, Yavanas (Greeks) and Pallavas. Besides, in the said inscription he is called Adhiswara of the states of North Konkan, Saurashtra, Avanti etc.

Satakarni restored the lost glory of the Satavahana dynasty by recovering Maharashtra and neighboring provinces. The restoration of Maharashtra was his main achievement but not the only one. The Nasik Prasthi contains an extensive list of the names of the territories he ruled. These names are Nasik (Maharashtra), Mulak (region around Paithan), Surath (Kathiabar), Vidarbha (Berar), Akar (Eastern Malab) and Avanti (Western Malab). Besides, Gautamiputra is said to be the ruler of a vast region from the Vindhya Mountains to the Malay Mountains and from the Eastern Ghats to the Western Ghats.

According to Dr. Roy Chowdhury, Andhra and South Kosala are not mentioned in this list. But the accounts of Lekh and Hien Tsang suggest that these two regions were at some point included in the Satavahana empire. Gautamiputra claims that his army drank water from the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal.

Besides, Dr. K. Gopalachari says that Mahendra is mentioned among the places occupied by Gautamiputra. From Kalinga to Andhra were included in his empire .

(D) Shaka-Yavana-Pallava Destroyer:-

Gautamiputra is described as the destroyer of the Shakas, Yavanas and Pallavas in the Nasik Prasthi. His struggle with the Shakas is known from coins found at Yogal Thembi. From the numerous coins of Nahapana found there, two-thirds of them were reprinted by Gautamiputra. From this it becomes clear that Nahapana was defeated by Gautamiputra. This success of Gautamiputra exceeded the ambition of the Satavahanas. As a result of this victory Gautamiputra got the places like Alup, Saurashtra, Akar, Avanti etc. This victory freed northern Deccan and parts of western and central India from foreign rule. To mark this victory Gautamiputra built a city at Nasik and adopted the titles 'Rajaraja' and 'Maharaj' in imitation of the Sakas.

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(E) Pulumayi's marriage: indicative of political foresight:-

There is no reason to think that Gautamiputra continued to prosper till the end of his life. After the decline of the Shaka dynasty, the Kordmak Shaka clan came forward to recover the lost power under the leadership of Chasthan. He may have annexed Ujjain to his empire. After Chasthan the success of the Sakas against the Satavahanas of Mahakshatrapa Rudradamana is known. In this perilous situation, Gautamiputra married one of his sons, Pulumayi with Rudradamana's daughter. This marriage is indicative of Satkarni's real political knowledge.

(F) Religious Generosity:-

Gautamiputra, despite being a patron of Brahmanism, adopted a liberal attitude towards Buddhists. He gave land and caves to the inhabitants of places like Nasik. Dr. Gopalachari says that his policy of religious liberality won Gautamiputra the support of other religions and helped him manage his empire successfully.

(G) Governance skills:-

According to Dr. Gopalachari, Gautamiputra's rule was based on classical principles and humanism. This sense was reflected in his fiscal system. From the official documents and personal documents of Gautamiputra, we can learn about the governance system of his time. He kept the traditional governance of his predecessors largely intact.

Ruler Satakarni had absolute authority in the system of governance and ruled the kingdom according to divine authority. The king himself commanded the army. For the convenience of administration - "Mahartaka", "Mahaaryaka", "Bhandargarik", "Mahamatr", - etc.

(H) Taxation and Trade:-

Revenue was collected through taxation; But taxes were never high. Taxes on the king's estates and lands, the salt monopoly, and court fees were sources of revenue. Foreign trade flourished during Satakarni's reign. Also, trade relations between India and Western countries were established during his tenure. The capital Paithan was a prominent trading centre.

(I) Social Reforms: Establishment of Predominance of Brahmin Class:-

Gautamiputra Satakarni was not only a good warrior but also had a reputation as a social reformer. He was careful to protect the interests of all castes. But he was strongly opposed to caste mixing. According to the Nasik Prasasti, he established the supremacy of the Brahmins by crushing the legacy of the Kshatriyas. He was a benevolent ruler.

Finally, Gautamiputra Satakarni's political contribution was twofold - on the one hand, the provision of security by resisting foreign powers, and on the other, the expansion of the Satavahana kingdom by resisting various regional powers.

Gautamiputra Satakarni achieved special success as a ruler and conqueror. After the death of the first Satakarni, the glory of the Satavahana dynasty was temporarily dimmed by the shaka invasion. But Gautamiputra Satakarni restored this lost glory. Historians claim this to be Gautamiputra's most glorious achievement.

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Discuss the role of Chandragupta Maurya in the rise of the Maurya empire and consolidation of the empire.

Evaluate the achievements of Chandragupta Maurya as a ruler and conqueror.

Discuss the rise of Maurya Empire under Chandragupta Maurya.

Sources of information about Chandragupta Maurya:-

Chandragupta Maurya is known from the Puranas, Kautilya's Arthasastra, Visakhadatta's Mudrakshasa, Somadeva's Kathasaritsagara, Megasthenes' Indica etc. and from the works of Strabo, Plutarch, Justin etc. Evidence from Hindu legends, Buddhist and Jain texts is also quite helpful.

Genealogy:-

According to Hindu legend, this dynasty is called Maurya dynasty after Chandragupta's mother and Nandaraja's concubine Mura. Chandragupta Maurya is said to be of Nanda origin in the drama 'Mudrarakshasa' composed in the fourth century AD and later in the book 'Brihatkatha' compiled by Kshemendra. On the other hand, in the Buddhist text 'Divyavadana', he is described as of Kshatriya Moriya descent. According to the Jain text "Parisista Parvan", a Shakya clan named Moriya is the descendant of Chandragupta Maurya.

In view of the above information, modern historians consider the evidence of Buddhist texts as more reliable than legends, Puranas etc. and describe Chandragupta Maurya as Kshatriya.

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Ascension :-

Historical circles differ about Chandragupta Maurya's accession to the throne. As Charpentier mentions 313 BC as the accession period of Chandragupta Maurya. Again, Stein at 318 BC, Fleet at 320 BC, Smith at 322 BC and R.K. Mukherjee describes 323 BC as the accession period of Chandragupta Maurya.

Right to throne of Magadha:-

Chanakya sent Chandragupta Maurya to Patliputra for higher education. At that time the people were enraged by the atrocities of Nandaraja Dhanananda in Patliputra. It was at this time that Chandragupta Maurya aspired to ascend the throne of Magadha. He marched to Alexander's camp hoping to obtain Greek help in ousting the Nanda dynasty. But Alexander, angered by his rash behavior, ordered his execution. Chandragupta Maurya escaped from there and met Chanakya in the forest of Vindhya mountain. Meanwhile, Chanakya was also humiliated by Nandaraj and was looking for an opportunity to take revenge. So Chanakya continued to help Chandragupta Maurya in every possible way as the goal of both was the same.

A book called Milind Pancho describes Chandragupta Maurya's campaign against Nandaraja. Having failed in the first two attempts, Chandragupta Maurya besieged Pataliputra for the third time and dethroned Nandaraja Dhanananda.

Campaign against the Greeks in North-West India -

He then ventured to overthrow the Greek rule in North West India. After Alexander's departure from India, chaos broke out in the Greek camp. So after his death this chaos took extreme form. Taking advantage of this chaos, Chandragupta Maurya declared war against the Greeks in North-West India. When the Greek general Eudimus left India in 317 BC, Greek rule ended on the north-western frontier of India.

But historians differ on whether Chandragupta Maurya first ousted Nandaraja or ended Greek rule.

On the one hand, according to Smith,

It appears probable that before he undertook the extension of the foreign garrisons, he had already overthrown …………….. the Nanda king of Magadha.

again,

Chandragupta's fight against the Macedonians, however, must have begun considerably earlier……………… Chandragupta's next task was to rid the country of the internal tyranny of king Nanda. "

[The Age of Imperial Unity]

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Deccan Conquest -

There are differences of opinion about the expansion of Chandragupta Maurya's kingdom in South India. According to many, Chandragupta Maurya completed the conquest of South India; According to many, South India was conquered by the Mauryas during Bindusara's reign. But According to R.C. Roychoudhury, South India was conquered by the Nandarajas and naturally after the end of the Nanda dynasty the Deccan came under Chandragupta Maurya's empire.

War with Seleucus (305 BC) -

After Alexander's death, Seleucus, the ruler of the eastern part of his empire, arrived in the Indus region around 305 BC to re-establish Greek supremacy in India, and he was at war with Chandragupta Maurya. No details of this battle are available. However, the treaty mentioned by Strabo indicates Chandragupta Maurya's victory. According to the terms of the treaty, Seleucus gave Chandragupta Maurya the provinces of Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, Baluchistan - etc. Megasthenes was then sent by Seleucus as an ambassador to Chandragupta's Maurya court.

Commenting on the importance of this treaty, more than two thousand years earlier the first Indian emperor Chandragupta Maurya had gained possession of important frontiers - a feat not achieved by subsequent Mughal emperors and the British altogether.

Expansion of Empire -

According to Dr. R.K. to Mukherjee, Chandragupta Maurya was the ruler of a vast empire.

(i) The entire Magadha kingdom came under his empire by eliminating the Nanda dynasty.

(ii) After driving out the Greeks, he annexed North-West India including the entire Punjab.

(iii) He got Kandahar, Kabul, Herat, Baluchistan from Seleucus.

(iv) According to the Junagadh inscriptions his empire extended upto Saurashtra in western India.

(v) From the works written by the Tamil poet Manulana, it is known that up to Tirunelveli district in South India was under his empire.

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Describe the social life of the Vedic period. What changes are made in the social field in the later Vedic period?

Give a pen - picture of the early Vedic society. What changes do you notice in the later Vedic period?

Features of early Vedic and later Vedic period.

If we divide the entire Aryan civilization into two categories - (1) Rik Vedic Aryans and (2) Aryans of the later Vedic period - we see these two categories. Although the social system of the Aryans during the Vedic period was the basic foundation of the Vedic society, in the later Vedic period some important features of this social system were maintained and some parts were changed. By discussing the social structure of the Vedic period and the post-Vedic period, we can know what the social system was like in the Rig-Vedic period and what changes took place in the post-Vedic period.

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Social system of Aryans in Rig Vedic period:-

Paternal Head -

The foundation of Vedic society, like the state, was the family and was patriarchal. The head of the family was the father. He was known as Grhapati . His power over family members was unlimited.

Place of women in society -

In Vedic society, women were held in the highest esteem. They were men's co-workers and co-wives. Women were prohibited from taking multiple husbands. Women have always had authority over the household. They also helped men outside the inner city. The practice of castration was not prevalent among women. They would get proper education. Women such as Vishwabara, Ghosha, Apala, Mamta, Lopamudra, etc., in the age of Rig Veda gained their origin in different scriptures. Some of them are also famous as authors of many Vedic hymns. Apart from literary practice, women were also taught martial arts, navigation etc. Child marriage and polygamy were not common. The practice of Sati was also not prevalent. However, the practice of marrying childless, widowed cousins was prevalent. The moral character of women was high.

Classless society in primary stage -

Early Vedic Aryas were divided into three classes - the warrior or elite class; The priestly class and the common people. Caste discrimination was not prevalent in the early stages. No profession was prohibited and intermarriage was also common among these three classes. There were no ethical or religious restrictions regarding food etc. The primary social and political organization of the Aryans was formed with these three classes.

In the words of Romila Thapar - The three divisions merely facilitated social and economic organization.

Origin of Caste -

But due to constant wars and alliances between Aryas and non-Aryas, class and division arose in the society. Aryans were always conscious of their fair complexion and tall stature. On the other hand, the non-Aryans were black and short. So caste was the first class division in Aryan society. The first mention of caste is found in the Purusha Sutra of the Tenth Mandala of the Rig Veda.

However, on the basis of work and profession, the entire Aryan society is divided into four classes - (1) Brahmins - people associated with learning and religious activities; (2) Kshatriyas - persons associated with warfare and governance; (3) Vaishya - persons engaged in production, animal husbandry and trade - and (4) Shudra - persons engaged in the above three classes of service. But in the period of Rikveda, occupational classification was created, but its mature form was not seen.

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Chaturashram -

Chaturashrama is one of the characteristics of Aryan society . This system was prevalent in the first three classes of society. (1) The first stage of life was called Brahmacharyasrama. At this time everyone had to study from Gurugriha. (2) After completing the practice of scriptures in the gurugriha, one had to return to one's home to lead the "garhasthya ashram" or householder's life. The main point of this ashram was to marry and observe and participate in the family with wife and children. (3) The third stage was Banaprasthasrama. In old age, freed from family responsibilities, he had to build a hut in the forest and lead a carefree life. (4) The last stage was sannyasa or jati ashram. During this time life like a monk had to be lived.

Food , Fun and Festival -

Milk, ghee, fruits, wheat, barley etc. were the main food of Aryans. Meat during the festival and somers ( wine ) - a drink during worship - were the staples. Deer hunting, fishing, horse and chariot driving, dancing - etc. were the main joyous festivals. There were no strict restrictions on marriage, food and profession in Rig Veda.

Costume -

In the Aryan society, special attention was paid to clothing and ornaments. Three types of coverings were in vogue - (1) the Uttaria for the upper part of the body; (2) "Nibi" for the lower part ; (3) Wearing on Nibi.Clothes were made of cotton and precious animal skins.

Importance of donation or charity in Aryan society -

Romila Thapar writes about the importance of charity in the religious and social life of ancient India. From the Rig Veda it is known that this system became an alternative to the practice of barter. Kshatriyas used to seek the grace of God to fulfill their duties and give alms to Brahmins. Charity was of immense importance in the religious and spiritual life of the Aryans. However, land grants are not known in that way during the period of Rig Veda.

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Changes in the social life during the later Vedic period

Degradation of women's status - Women's status is reduced to an unprecedented level. They are deprived of property and political rights. However, the door of education was open to them. The names of Maitreyi and Gargi are particularly prominent among women in this era.

Origins of Hinduism - Rules of society are defined according to Grihya Sutras and Dharma Sutras. The Grihya Sutras fully enunciate the precepts of the family and worldly life of the Hindus. The origin of the Hindu community centered on the Grihya Sutras was during this period.

Emergence of Civil and Criminal Law - Although the Dharmasutras were composed over ages, the tendency to structure social life on the basis of a certain ideal is seen in the Dharmasutras. Gradually a common civil and criminal law and social customs developed.

Rigidity of Caste - Caste was not strict during the Rik Vedic period. But in the later Vedic period, caste discrimination became rigid and birth-based. Society was completely divided into four castes. The Brahmins and Kshatriyas were innate in their professions. The occupations of the Vaishyas are agriculture and trade. The condition of Shudras is very poor. In the Aitareya Brahmana the Shudras are called "Yakakama Bhadya". Those who remained outside these four varnas were the innumerable non-varnas or panchamaganas. They were deprived of their social rights and called untouchables.

Advantages of conversion of Aryans into Aryan caste - It is true that even though the society was divided into four castes, there was no obstacle in the way of accepting the Aryans into the Aryan society. Regarding Samveda ( 'Bratya-Stoma-Sutra' ) there are specific rules for the acceptance of non-Aryans into the Aryan society.

Bratya and Nishad - Two Distinct Races - Apart from Chaturvarna, references to two distinct races named Bratya and Nishad are found in the later Vedic period. The language of the Bratyas was Prakrit and they led a nomadic life. Nishads lived permanently. They were known as "Architects" to the ruling class.

Changes in Education – Both religious and general education was prevalent during this period. Vedas, Upanishads, grammar, justice and law were taught. Medicine and astronomy were greatly advanced during this period.

Finally, it can be said that modern Indian civilization was born from Vedic civilization. Although the social features of the early Vedic period changed a lot in the later Vedic period, it was actually a process of social evolution. The biggest difference between these two periods is caste. While caste discrimination was not strict and widespread during the Rig Vedic period, it became widespread and strict in the later Vedic period, the effects of which persisted thousands of years later.

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Economic condition of Vedic and Later Vedic Period.

Review the economic status of the Vedic Aryans.

Compare broadly the economic condition of the Early Vedic Aryans with that of the later Vedic Age.

Economic condition of Rig Vedic period:-

At the beginning of the Vedic period, nomadic Aryans settled in India. Initially animal husbandry was their main livelihood. There is a reference to the word "cow" in ancient linguistics. It means to search for cows. After that, when they start living permanently, their profession changes. They gradually turned from pastoralists to agriculturists. From various sources it is known that the agricultural system of that time was advanced and its main component was cows. Along with the expansion of agriculture, trade also expanded. The merchant class arose out of the landowners. Again in the later Vedic period agriculture reached a very modern stage. Iron is more common in agriculture of this era. During this period internal trade flourished and industrialization developed.

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Changing Economy : Pastoralist to Agricultural :-

At the beginning of the Vedic period, the products produced by cattle were the main means of subsistence. Cows were of such high value in the economic life of the Aryans in the early stages that the tendency of cow abduction was strong among them and there were conflicts between different groups based on it. As the Aryans settled down, their occupations changed. They gradually turned from pastoralists to agriculturists. When the use of iron started, it was helpful for agriculture. During the period of Rig Veda, Arya society changed from a pastoral society to an agricultural society.

Origin of rural economy:-

Aryan civilization culminated in rural civilization during the Rig Vedic period. As a result, the village took place as a major part of the economic life of the Aryans. Perhaps when the Aryans became agriculturists they adopted a self-sufficient rural system. Although the local rural economic system was introduced by the Aryans, it is undeniable that the importance of the village in the economic life of India remains unchanged even today.

Origin of private ownership; Mixed Economy - Agriculture and Animal Husbandry :-

As collective ownership of the means of production and social wealth prevailed, it was assumed that there was little chance of financial inequality in the society. But gradually the land came into the possession of different families in the village and the problems of private ownership and land disputes and inheritance arose. Each household had its own agricultural land. Again there was common land for all the villagers to graze. Thus, it can be seen that a mixed economy based on agriculture and animal husbandry emerged during that period.

Many believe that with the help of iron, water was purified and made suitable for agriculture. In fact, agriculture was the main livelihood of the people. In the Rig Veda there are mentions of tilling the land with plough, sowing seeds, harvesting - etc.

According to Dr. R.C. Roychoudhury, the main crops were rice and barley. But about paddy cultivation Dr R.C. Roychoudhury's views are not supported by many. Animal husbandry was the second major livelihood of the people of that era. The region on both banks of Yamuna river was famous for cattle. Wealth of people was determined by the possession of cows. Even soldiers preferred cattle as spoils of war. Horses were also important in economy and political life.

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Other scholarships; currency; merchant community; use of iron; Vehicle :-

Sutradhar, metalsmith, tanner, tantabaya and potter are mentioned for the needs of agricultural society. Among the metals used were gold, copper and bronze. Although coin based economy was not prevalent in that era, there are mentions of coins called 'Niska' and 'Mana' in Vedic literature. Merchant communities are also mentioned in the Vedic period. Although the use of iron was unknown to the Vedic Aryans, the Rig Veda mentions a type of metal called 'Ayas' which later came to be known as iron. In the period of Rig Vedic transport, chariots, cow-shaktas and antrikshas or sky vehicles are also mentioned.

Trade: Inland and Maritime:-

Along with the expansion of agriculture, trade also started. As agriculture expanded in the eastern part of the Gangetic valley, the Ganges River became a facilitator of trade. A merchant class emerged when powerful landowners gravitated towards trade. Also, Aryans had maritime trade with Assyria, Babylon and some Asian countries. But commercial activity was confined to the coastline. In this context, the author of Cambridge History said - The Indus was the natural outlet to the sea , but in the Rig Veda there is no clear sign that they had yet reached the ocean.

According to Basam, regular traders and moneylenders do not exist in the Rig Vedic period. However, there is a mention of debt.

There is no evidence of a regular class of merchants or money lenders, although indebtedness is sometimes referred to. [ Basam ]

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Economic conditions and economic changes in the later Vedic period:-

1. Changes in Agriculture - Cultivation improved during this period as compared to previous periods and knowledge of planting crops according to season was evident. By 1000 BC, agriculture was widespread in the Gangetic valley. Because, the humid climate and abundance of rainfall in the Gangetic valley were conducive to the development of a prosperous agricultural economy. During this period the Aryans began to cultivate paddy and other crops. Techniques for irrigating and fertilizing land were also discovered. Agriculture was the main livelihood during this period as well.

2. Advances in Trade :- After the Indus the Aryans of this era started trading with Mesopotamia and other West Asian countries. There is a reference to sea voyages on trade occasions in the book "Shatpatha Brahmana".

3. Expansion of Internal Trade – Trade routes extended through the regions of Rajgir, Gaya, Vaishali etc. in North, East India to Terai in Nepal. In the west the trade route extended to Srabanti, Mathura, Indraprastha and Taxila. Towards the Deccan this trade route extended to Paithan.

4. Advancement of Industry - The later Vedic period saw great advancement in the field of industry. During this period Trade Guilds were formed among the Vaishya classes. Goldsmiths, Manikars, Sutradhars, Ranjuks - etc. are mentioned as skilled artists. The Painted Gray Ware Culture came into being as a symbol of material progress during the period under discussion. In this, there is evidence of technical skills and craftsmanship.

5. Changes in the Use of Metals and Coins - Gold, copper and bronze were in vogue during the Rig Vedic period. The later Vedic period saw the introduction of tin, zinc, silver and iron. Coinage began to circulate towards the end of the sixth century BC. Persian influence can be seen on it. The coin called 'mana' was probably a gold coin.

Conclusion :-

The Rig Vedic economy was not at all developed. Trade movement was not easy due to lack of currency and barter was the only way. The exchange of cows was maximum. The use of coins called nisk and mana was limited. Communication system was also poor. But in the later Vedic period Indian economic thought emerged in a distinct form. In fact, it was during the later Vedic period that the economic life of later India began.

"The end of this shadowy age, the beginning of the great period of India's culture. ……………’’ [Basam]

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What were the causes of the decline of the Maurya Empire? Was Asoka in any way responsible for its decline?

Reasons for the fall of the Mauryan Empire:-

With the efforts of Chandragupta Maurya, Chanakya and Ashoka, the Maurya Empire took a huge form, but after the death of Ashoka in 233 BC, taking advantage of the internal chaos of the empire in 185 BC, the tenth emperor Brihadratha was killed by his general Pushyamitra Sunga and seized the throne. However, the Mauryan Empire did not fall due to any one particular reason - a combination of factors was responsible for its downfall.

Opposition of Brahmins:-

According to Pandit Haraprasad Shastri, the hatred of Brahmins towards Ashoka was one of the reasons for the downfall of the Mauryan Empire. He thinks -

1. The ban on animal sacrifice was enforced only against Brahmins.

2. Ashoka undermined the rights and dignity of the Brahmins by introducing the principle of equality of punishment and equality of use.

3. Ashoka interfered with the exclusive rights of the Brahmins by appointing Dharma Mahamatras.

For all these reasons the Brahmins rebelled under the leadership of Pushyamitra Sunga and helped to destroy the Mauryan dynasty.

But Dr. H C Roychoudhury and Dr R C Mazumdar have expressed doubts about the validity of H. Shastri's opinion. According to them, Ashoka prohibited the killing of animals by following the principle of non-violence. By applying equality of punishment and equality of use, he was able to introduce the same type of justice system irrespective of class. Apart from preaching, Dharma Mahamatras also looked after the happiness and well-being of all irrespective of caste and religion. Thus, there was no good reason for the Brahmins to be hostile to Ashoka, who was generous and tolerant of paganism.

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Extension of empire:-

The size of the Maurya Empire can be identified as one of the reasons for its decline. Due to the lack of a fast transportation system and the difficulty of establishing communication with different parts of the empire, it was not possible for the central royal power to maintain its supremacy in that era.

Administrative weaknesses:-

Although the Maurya administration was politically well organized, it had some serious weaknesses. The bureaucracy was highly centralized and all owed allegiance to the king alone. In the absence of specific norms to control the dominance of social and territorial groups, clan administration crippled the social administration of the empire. Besides, the practice of espionage creates complications in the political and administrative spheres.

Tyranny of Provincial Rulers :-

Ashoka's inscriptions reveal that provincial rulers in the provinces used to oppress the masses as they depended on the royal servants for administrative matters and depended on their goodwill. After the death of Ashoka, when this tyranny reached its climax, anarchy was created all around. Taking advantage of this chaos, powerful provincial rulers broke ties with the empire and declared independence.

Rebellion of individual nations:-

In principle Ashoka recognized the individuality of the individual castes and tribes within the empire. Among them were - Andhra, Pulinda, Kamboja, Rashtrik, Bhoja, Chola, Panda, Satyaputra and Keralaputra. After Ashoka's death, they became powerful and helped bring down the Mauryan Empire.

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Disqualifications of later emperors:-

The emperors after Ashoka were not able to solve internal and external problems. It is known from Rajatarangini that Jaloki declared the independence of Kashmir and expanded the kingdom up to Kannauj. According to a book written by Taranath, Birsen declared independence in Gandhar. Thus, the weakness and rivalry of Ashoka's successors was one of the reasons for the fall of the Mauryan Empire.

Economic Deterioration :-

Although the entire valley was dominated by an agricultural economy; But there was considerable variation in the economy and revenue system throughout the empire. As a result, the economic status quo was greatly disrupted and brought about an extreme economic crisis on the entire Mauryan empire. As a result, the stability of the empire became dangerous.

Ashoka's responsibility in the fall of the Maurya Empire

Ashoka abandoned the ‘’Digvijaya policy’’ and adopted the ‘’Dharmavijaya policy’’. He instructed his successors to follow the principles of 'Dharmaghosha' instead of 'Verighosha'. Adoption of non-violence as a state policy undermines military power. As a result, foreign attacks took place on the occasion of internal chaos.

According to Dr. Bhandarkar, this moralism of Ashoka resulted in a strong aversion to militarism, statehood and material development. The result was the collapse of the Mauryan Empire.

Dr. Roy Chowdhury mentions two more errors of Ashoka.

1. He strengthened opposition forces at the center by handing over power to royal servants.

2. By excessive donation, meditation, he damaged the treasury of the country.

But Nilakantha Shastri contradicted all these opinions and said that the state is not strong only by war; Aurangzeb could not prevent the decline of the Mughal Empire despite his lifelong struggle. Although Ashoka is theoretically responsible for the downfall of the Maurya Empire, it cannot be said that his ideals of non-violence were the cause of the downfall of the empire. Although Ashoka's policy of religious conquest was partly responsible for the downfall of the Mauryan empire, it cannot be denied that even if he had followed his grandfather's policy of conquest, the empire would have fallen at some point.

The Arab historian Ibn Khaldun said,

“Every empire has its birth, its rise and its fall. ''

The moral and cultural preeminence that Ashoka established for India in the civilized world remains undiminished after two thousand years.

According to Dr. Majumder,

Ashoka is incomparable in world history and Ashoka's advent has glorified India.

Dr. Smith commented,

Ashoka is the first preceptor of mankind.

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Nandan Dutta

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Ashoka's responsibility in the fall of the Maurya Empire

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