History & Civics
Compare the historical reliability of literary sources like Indika and Arthashastra with archaeological sources such as inscriptions and stupas.
Mauryan Empire
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Answer
Literary sources like Indika and Arthashastra gives us the following information:
- Megasthenes wrote Indika, documenting his observations of Mauryan administration and society.
- The Arthashastra by Kautilya is a crucial source that provides valuable insights into the Mauryan period. As Kautilya (also known as Vishnugupta and Chanakya) was directly involved in the Mauryan government, his book offers significant information on the political conditions of India during this time, as well as the structure of the Mauryan administration. The Arthashastra is a unique work in ancient Indian literature, focusing on politics.
Archaeological sources such as inscriptions and stupas give us the following information:
- Pillar Edicts focus on Dhamma, which includes virtuous deeds, compassion, liberality, truthfulness, and purity. These inscriptions provide valuable information about Ashoka's reign, his administration, character, and the educational standards of the time, as well as the common language used during the Mauryan period.
- Ashoka's edicts serve as the most accurately dated records in India, found on rocks and pillars across the country. They offer important insights into Ashoka's values and the history of the Mauryan Empire.
- The stupas were built to house Buddha's relics. The Sanchi Stupa stands as a remarkable example of ancient Indian architecture and Buddhist art, reflecting the technical, artistic, and spiritual sophistication of the period.
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Related Questions
Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow:
"The Mauryas came to prominence after the overthrow of the Nanda dynasty in the later part of the fourth century BCE. The history of their rule can be reconstructed with fairly authentic evidences from many sources."
(Source: https://www.du.ac.in/uploads/new-web/04012023_Appendix-108.pdf)
(a) How did Alexander's departure from India influence Chandragupta Maurya's rise to power?
(b) Why was the Nanda dynasty unpopular among its people?
(c) How did Bindusara contribute to the expansion of the Mauryan Empire?
The Mauryan Empire declined after Ashoka's death, facing multiple challenges. With reference to this, answer the following questions:
(a) What were the main reasons for the decline of the Mauryan Empire after Ashoka's reign?
(b) How did the financial crisis and military neglect contribute to the weakening of the Mauryan Empire?
(c) What role did the revolts by provincial governors and external invasions play in the fall of the Mauryan Empire?
Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow:
"According to Megasthenes, the army was controlled by a war office consisting of 30 members distributed among 6 boards who were incharge of different departments. Behind the success of the army was the diplomacy of the Mauryas."
(Source: https://www.du.ac.in/uploads/new-web/04012023_Appendix-108.pdf)
(a) What were the responsibilities of the six boards managing the administration of Pataliputra?
(b) How did the division of responsibilities among the boards ensure efficient civic management?
(c) How does this system reflect the advanced administrative organisation of the Mauryan Empire?
Explain how Ashoka contributed to the spread of Buddhism, both within India and to other regions.