With reference to the sources of information on the Mauryan Empire, explain briefly the significance of the following:

(a) Arthashastra

(b) Indika

(c) Sanchi Stupa

(a) Arthashastra — Discovered in 1909, it is the most important of all the sources on the history of Mauryas. It was written by Kautilya also known as Chanakya and Vishnugupta. Written in sanskrit, Arthashastra is a comprehensive manual that deals with politics, rules of diplomacy, principles and art of administration and other such political topics. It gives us information about the central and provincial governments and their officials.

(b) Indika — It was written by Megasthenes, who was a Greek ambassador sent by Seleucus, at the court of Chandragupta Maurya. Although original Indika has been lost but its fragments are available in the writings of later Greek authors like Strabo, Arrian and Diodorus. Indika contains whatever Megasthenes saw and heard during his stay. It tells us about the administration and political conditions of Mauryans. It also mentions about the ruler of Kalinga.

(c) Sanchi Stupa — It is located at Sanchi, 45 km from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. Its foundation was laid by Ashoka. It represents the spiritual body of Buddha containing his relics such as hair, teeth or bones. There are four gateways in four directions. They have carved panels depicting events from the life of Buddha and some tales from Jataka stories. Buddha is represented by Symbols like the peepal tree, lotus or a wheel. The pillars are surmounted by capitals which contain sculptures of lions. Sanchi Stupa reflects information about architecture and importance of Buddhism during Mauryan period.