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Mauryan Empire: Reasons For Decline Late stages of the Mauryan Empire After the death of Emperor Ashoka, the Mauryan Empire collapsed within five decades. There are many reasons given by historians for this disintegration of a once-mighty empire. At its zenith, the Mauryan Empire stretched from Afghanistan in the west to Bangladesh in the east. It covered almost the whole Indian subcontinent except modern-day Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and Sri Lanka. A few years after Ashoka’s death, the weakening of the empire started. The various reasons for the fall of the Mauryan Empire are highlighted below: The partition of the Empire After the death of Ashoka, the Mauryan Empire split into two halves – western and eastern parts. This weakened the empire. Kalhana, author of the work Rajatarangini which is an account of Kashmir’s history says that after Ashoka’s death, his son Jalauka ruled over Kashmir as an independent ruler. This partition resulted in invasions from the northwest. Highly centralise

Gautam Buddha - Life & Teachings Gautam Buddha’s teachings revolve around the middle path of the living, the eight-fold path to enlightenment, and four noble truths. This article will provide you with relevant NCERT notes on Buddha, Gautam Buddha – Facts for UPSC Buddhism was founded by Gautama Buddha. Buddha was born as Prince Siddhartha at Lumbini near Kapilavastu (in present Nepal) in 566 BC. He was the son of Suddhodhana and Mahamaya. Suddhodhana was the chief of the Sakya clan. Due to this, Buddha was also known as ‘Sakyamuni’. His mother died either giving birth to him or after seven days. Siddhartha was brought up by his maternal aunt, Prajapati Gautami. This gave him the name ‘Gautama’. He was married to Yashodhara and had a son, Rahula. He left his home at the age of 29 to become an ascetic. This event is called Mahabhishkramana. The idea of renunciation occurred to the Buddha after he saw four different states of man – sick man, old man, corpse and ascetic. Buddha wandere

Ashoka Inscription (The Edicts Of Ashoka) The great Emperor Ashoka, the third monarch of the Maurya dynasty converted to Buddhism after witnessing the horrific effects of war in Kalinga. He became a champion and patron of Buddhism and strove to spread Dhamma throughout his empire and beyond. He erected pillars and edicts all over the subcontinent and even in modern-day Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan to spread the Buddha’s word. Ashoka Inscription (Rock Edicts) James Prinsep, a British antiquary and colonial administrator was the first person to decipher Ashoka’s edicts.  These Ashoka’s inscriptions are the first tangible evidence of Buddhism. They were kept in public places and along trade routes so that maximum number of people would read them. More than religious discourses, they talk about the moral duties of the people, how to conduct life, Ashoka’s desire to be a good and benevolent ruler, and about Ashoka’s work towards this end. Ashoka inscriptions can be classified

Ashoka - Life & Dhamma  Early life Son of Mauryan Emperor Bindusara and Subhadrangi. Grandson of Chandragupta Maurya. His other names were Devanampiya (Sanskrit Devanampriya meaning Beloved of the Gods) and Piyadasi. Considered one of India’s greatest emperors. He was born in 304 BC. His reign lasted from 268 BC to 232 BC when he died. At its zenith, Ashoka’s empire stretched from Afghanistan in the west to Bangladesh in the east. It covered almost the whole Indian subcontinent except present Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and modern-day Sri Lanka. Ashoka built many edicts all over India including in present-day Nepal and Pakistan. His capital was at Pataliputra (Patna) and had provincial capitals at Taxila and Ujjain. Rise to power Ashoka was not the eldest son of Bindusara and so was not the heir presumptive. Bindusara wanted his elder son Susima to be crowned the next king. But Ashoka was trained in military and weapons and showed great skills as an administrator when he was made the go

Central Government Mauryan administration was highly centralized. The Emperor was the supreme power and source of all authority. He was assisted by a Council of Ministers. It was called ‘Mantriparishad’. The ministers were called ‘Mantris.’ The council was headed by ‘mantriparishad-adhyakshya’ akin to the Prime Minister of today. Tirthas: the Highest category of officials in the administration. There were 18 Tirthas. Adhyakshya: Ranked next only to Tirthas. There were 20 Adhyakshyas. They had economic and military functions. Mahamattas: Higher ranking officials. Amatyas: High ranking officials almost like present-day secretaries. They had administrative and judicial roles. The Adhyakshyas were formed into a secretariat, which was divided into many departments. Arthashastra mentions many Adhyakshyas for commerce, storehouses, gold, ships, agriculture, cows, horses, city, chariots, mint, infantry, etc. Yuktas: Subordinate officers responsible for the Empire’s revenue. Rajjukas: Officers

Mauryan Empire (322-185) BCE - Ancient Indian History Mauryan Empire – Rise of the Mauryas The last of the Nanda rulers, Dhana Nanda was highly unpopular due to his oppressive tax regime. Also, post-Alexander’s invasion of North-Western India, that region faced a lot of unrest from foreign powers. Some of these regions came under the rule of the Seleucid Dynasty, founded by Seleucus Nicator I. He was one of the generals of Alexander the Great. Chandragupta, with the help of an intelligent and politically astute Brahmin, Kautilya usurped the throne by defeating Dhana Nanda in 321 BC. Important Rulers of Mauryan Empire The Mauryan Empire had rulers who were famous for their reign. The table below gives the list of Mauryan Empire rulers: Mauryan Empires – Rulers Chandragupta Maurya (322 – 298 B.C) Bindusara  (297 – 272 B.C.) Asoka (268 – 232 B.C.) Founder of Mauryan Empire – Chandragupta Maurya Chandragupta’s origins are shrouded in mystery. The Greek sources (which are the oldest) mentio