Socio-economic condition of the Mauryan era.
Socio-economic condition of the Mauryan era.
Social condition of the Mauryan era:-
Introduction of the Varna and Chaturashrama system; Reduction of the strictness of the caste system; Origin of new castes or varnas:-
Two features of Hindu society, Varna and Chaturashrama, were prevalent in the Maurya era. It is known from the accounts of Greek writers that it was forbidden to leave one's own caste. The edicts of Ashoka mention householders and itinerant monks. From this it is believed that the Chaturashrama system was prevalent in society at that time.
But in that era, the strictness of the caste system was reduced to a great extent due to the emergence of many religions and the arrival of foreign nations. There are many examples of marriages between Indian and foreign princes. According to the description of Greek writers, the occupational distinction between Vaishyas and Shudras of the Mauryan era began to end and farmers, herders and merchants were recognized as specific castes. Thus, a far-reaching social change was achieved due to the reduction in the rigidity of the caste system in that era.
Social character of the Varnashrama system: -
The people of the first three castes of society enjoyed more privileges than the Shudras. Although the Vaishyas were included in the "dvija" class (i.e. entitled to receive upanayana), they had various difficulties. Because the Brahmins and Kshatriyas were strongly opposed to giving social recognition to the Vaishyas. But the Vaishyas were wealthy and they were the main directors of the country's economy and the controllers of trade and commerce. Therefore, the conflict between the Vaishya class and the other two upper castes was inevitable.
Place of women in Mauryan society:-
There are many references to the freedom of women of all classes in the book of Gunadhya. In the history of that era, there are many examples of the rule of the kingdom by the queens as guardians of minor sons. In some cases, there are such examples that women freely participated in philosophical discussions. But wives did not have the right to acquire religious knowledge along with their husbands. The practice of seclusion was prevalent among women and polygamy was prevalent in the royal family and noble families. Women were also employed as bodyguards inside the palace. Buddhist and Jain nuns enjoyed absolute freedom. There are many references to the charity of virtuous women in this era. In this context, the name of the virtuous queen Gautami Balashri is particularly noteworthy. Women are mentioned in the work of governance. For example, "Stri Adhyaksha Mahapatra".
Slavery:-
During the Mauryan era, the system of slavery was recognized by society. Ashoka drew a clear distinction between slaves and laborers and instructed to be kind to everyone. However, historian Aryan and Megasthenes did not mention the system of slavery. Perhaps because the system of slavery in India was not as strict as in other European countries, it did not attract their attention. Most of the slaves belonged to the lower castes.
Family and Marriage: -
The father was the head of the household and the main manager of the joint property of the family. All members of the family had equal rights to property. In that era, the family, rather than the individual, was the main part of the social system. The ceremony of Shraddha for the dead was a great family ritual to establish a link between the living and the dead. In ancient law, the right of the father or the head of the household over his children was recognized. Fathers could even sell their sons. But later this practice was considered reprehensible.
The duration of the student life in the Mauryan era was about 12 years. Usually, each student returned from the Guru's house at the age of twenty and was involved in work. Marriages were arranged between the same caste and class. However, marriage within the same clan was undesirable. Eight types of marriages are mentioned in the scriptures.
Education; Educational centers and subjects of education: -
Education was widely practiced during the Mauryan era. Uneducated Brahmins have been condemned in the scriptures. Brahmins were the only ones who had the right to education. But after Buddha, Buddhist monks tried to spread education. Since ancient times, the universities of Ujjain, Taxila, Varanasi had become the main centers of education.
From the time of Panini (in the 6th century BC), special importance was attached to the study of grammar and it was the main subject. The Mahabharata and the Puranas were included in the curriculum. There was a system of teaching technical sciences, mathematics, grammatical rhythm - etc. The Manusamhita mentions special teaching in mechanics and mineralogy. Buddhist texts also mention medical science.
Religion, Festivals and Events:-
Although Buddhism and Jainism became strong during this era, Brahmanism was also prevalent. Jainism was very popular in Bihar and Orissa. According to legend, Chandragupta Maurya was a Jain. Under the patronage of Ashoka, Buddhism spread in India and beyond. Despite the prevalence of many religions and faiths, religious tolerance is evident in the Mauryan era.
Vatsayana's works reflect the lavish lifestyle of wealthy and cultured youths. The ''Samyutta Nikaya'' mentions the ''Savartivhara'' festival. Which was prevalent among the Licchavi. Ritu festivals and Vasant festivals are also prevalent among Hindus. The Jain texts mention the festival of Diwali.
Economic condition of India during the Mauryan period:-
Beginning of a new era in Indian economy:-
Under the direct rule of the Mauryan kings, a new era began in the Indian economy from the Mauryan period. Especially during the reign of the first three Mauryan emperors - Chandragupta Maurya, Bindusara and Ashoka, economic progress achieved excellence. Therefore, the Mauryan period can be called a "revolutionary era" in economic terms compared to the previous era. It would not be an exaggeration to say that a new era began in the economic field of India during this time.
Industry and Trade:-
During the Mauryan period, Indian industry, trade and investment brought a revolution in the economy. The administrative skills of the Mauryan emperors became helpful in the expansion of trade and industry, and vocational industries turned into small-scale industries. The role of the state in the industrial sector is specifically mentioned in economics. The state directly controlled the production, export and sale of industrial products. For this, there were many organizations such as - ''Business Corporation'' and ''Professional Corporation'' - etc. Also, the corporations worked like modern-day banks. Dr. Block has mentioned the existence of a large organization like modern-day trading companies in Patliputra city.
Textiles :-
Many industrial products were produced in the Mauryan era. Such as textiles. The Indian textile industry was developed during the Mauryan era. A considerable expansion of Indian textiles can be observed in the country and abroad. Along with cotton textiles, silk and woolen textiles were also famous in that era. Gandhara was the main center of woolen textiles. The elaborate cotton and silk textiles of that era were popular. In the first century AD, muslin textiles were exported to Rome. There were many centers of muslin textiles in the Gangetic valley. Textile industry was the livelihood of many people of that era.
Craft:-
Mauryan artists achieved extraordinary skills in wood, ivory and leather art. The wooden palace of Chandragupta Maurya is the ultimate example of the excellence of wooden craft. Apart from this, Mauryan artists also achieved extraordinary skills in the construction of sea-going vessels, boats, chariots, etc.
Mining:-
Mining industry was also quite developed. There is mention of various types of metal art in the Arthashastra. Indians gained knowledge about mineralogy. Employees were appointed by the state to manage mining operations. Metals such as gold, silver, iron, copper, bronze and tin were widely used.
Condition of Merchants and traders:-
Capitalism emerged in India from the time of Buddha. There are examples of accumulation of wealth in the Mauryan era. Merchants and traders were wealthy in this era and their immense wealth is mentioned. There is mention of the rich donating a lot of money in the Sanchi stupas. Rich merchants used to donate money to temples and Buddhist monasteries. Buddhist and Jain texts mention the huge wealth of the merchant class. Apart from peace and order and the progress of trade and commerce everywhere, the expansion of maritime trade and commerce was one of the reasons for the material prosperity of the Mauryan era.
Revenue:-
Land revenue was the main source of income during that era; but a lot of money was also collected from trade and commerce. During that era, along with ''Bali'' and ''Bhag'', trade duties were also the main income of the state. During the reign of Chandragupta Maurya, there is mention of a separate naval department and a naval officer. The main responsibility of this department was to keep an eye on the maintenance of river ports and encourage the movement of merchant ships on the sea route.
Maritime trade and foreign trade:-
After the conquest of Kalinga, the famous trade ports under the Kalinga kingdom came under the control of the Mauryan empire, so the exchange of trade by sea increased. During the reign of the Mauryan kings, the city of Patliputra was inhabited by many foreigners. Most of them were traders. In terms of foreign trade, the Mauryan Empire had commercial contacts with foreign countries through land and water routes. Foreign trade was conducted from the ports on the west coast of India. Indian cargo ships used to reach the countries of West Asia through the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf. Again, Indian merchant ships also traveled to Egypt through the Red Sea. On the other hand, Indian goods were also sent to the Mediterranean coast by land between Persia and Asia Minor.
Internal Trade:-
The internal trade of the Mauryan period was developed and well-regulated. The state was attentive to internal trade and the state kept a vigilant eye on the security of trade routes. Internal trade was mainly carried out through rivers and goods were exchanged on land by oxen carts and camels. The Ganges, Yamuna, Godavari and Indus rivers were the main waterways. Major roads extended in different directions within the country. During this period, the highway was called the "Mahamarga". A class of officials called "Sthal Niyamak" were appointed to guide the merchants on land. Merchants traded goods from Bangladesh and Magadha to distant Kashmir and Gandhara. Internal trade improved considerably due to the establishment of state unity in North India.
Currency:-
In the Vedic period, barter was prevalent instead of currency. But gradually, the barter system of precious metals became prevalent instead of exchange of goods as a medium of exchange. The circulation of precious metal coins increased significantly during the Mauryan period.
Panini's ''Vayakarana'', ''Jataka'', ''Artha Shastra'' mention various types of gold and silver coins. Gold coins were called ''Nivaka'' and ''Subarna'' and silver coins were known as ''Karapan'' and ''Prabana''. Copper coins called ''Karapan'' are also mentioned. In addition, Artha Shastra mentions a type of silver coin called ''Pana'' and a type of copper coin called ''Mabaka''. During the Mauryan period, the king or the state was the only one entitled to issue coins. In addition, merchant associations and municipal institutions also had the right to issue coins. The economic condition of the Mauryan period can be seen from the coins.
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