NEW KINGDOMS AND EMPIRES (ASHOKAS PILLAR)

Chanakya-Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g87sEooxsc

What makes Ashoka's Lion Capital at Sarnath special?

The four lions capital has been adopted as the national emblem of India. 

Four lions standing back to back, symbolizing Ashoka's rule over the four cardinal directions.

The capital has four Asiatic lions—symbolising power, courage, pride and confidence—seated on a circular abacus

It contains Dharma Chakra- Wheel of Dharma, representing the Buddha's teachings and the principles of dharma.

Other animals demonstrated on the pillar are horse, bull and elephant. 

Horse- Energy, power, speed

Bull- Strength

Elephant- Wisdom and long life

It contains his dharma principles also.

The inscriptions on the pillars, known as the Edicts of Ashoka, convey Ashoka's commitment to non-violence, religious tolerance, and the promotion of moral and ethical conduct. The pillars were erected at key locations across Ashoka's empire, spreading his messages to a diverse population.

Why Mauryan Empire is considered as the greatest empire in India?

The Mauryan empires remains one of India’s greatest empires, known for its vast territory, efficient administration, and cultural achievements.

Chandragupta Maurya established the Mauryan Empire by defeating the Nandas. He defeated the last Nanda ruler Dhanananda (of Magadha Kingdom) and occupied Pataliputra in 322 BC. Chandragupta Maurya was supported by a wise man named Chanakya/Kautilya.

Chanakya, a teacher, philosopher known for his intelligence and strategies, wrote the Arthashastra, a treatise (A written work) on politics, economy, and governance that helped Chandragupta build a strong administration.

(Arthashastra is an artwork that tell about the keys of governance that includes administration (law order and justice), economy (taxation, revenue, and expenditure), and foreign policy (defense and war).

Chandragupta expanded his empire across northern and central India, including present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan. After ruling for many years, he handed over the throne to his son, Bindusara, and spent the rest of his life following Jainism in peace and meditation. (297 BCE to 272)

The empire grew the most under Ashoka, Chandragupta’s grandson, who spread Buddhism and focused on peace after the Kalinga War. (268–232 BCE)

What is the difference between Empire and Kingdom?

• Empire

  • A large area of different regions or countries ruled by one leader, usually called an emperor.
  • Empires are often created by conquering other lands and people of different cultures.  
  • Emperors need more resources than kings because empires are larger than kingdoms, and need to be protected by big armies. 
  •  • So also they need a larger number of officials who collect taxes.
  • Example: Maurya Empire included India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.

• Kingdom

• A smaller area ruled by a king or queen.
• Kingdoms are usually more local and do not include many different regions or cultures.
• Example: Magadha Kingdom, which was part of the Maurya Empire later.

What were the characteristics of Mauryan Empire?

Mauryan Empire – Key Points

1. Location & Capital:

   • Centered in Magadha with capital Pataliputra.
   • Rich in fertile soil and iron deposits (used for tools to improve farming).

2. Administration:

   • Divided into 4 provinces:
     1. Taxila (North)
     2. Pataliputra (East)
     3. Ujjain (West)
     4. Suvarnagiri (South)
   • Central government with governors to maintain order.

3. Trade & Public Works:

   • Built roads, canals, waterways.
   • Traded silk, spices, and textiles with Europe and West Asia.
   • Exchanged scientific knowledge internationally.

4. Economy:

   • Single currency across India.
   • Farmers paid taxes on crops.
   • Iron tools improved agriculture.

5. Military:

   • Largest army with 600,000 soldiers, 30,000 cavalry, and 9,000 elephants.
   • Used spies for security.
   • Ashoka kept the army after renouncing war for peace.

6. Religion:

   • Hinduism was the main religion initially.
   • Allowed Jainism and Buddhism to grow.
   • Ashoka followed Buddhism but respected Hindu traditions.
   • Discouraged caste discrimination.

How did Mauryan rulers rule the empire?

Large empires in different parts were ruled differently. Ashoka's empire covered a large area from the fertile plains of the Ganges to the mountains in the northwest, including a mix of cultures and customs. Ashoka managed to rule this with a proper system maintained by his advisors.

1 Centralized Control under the Emperor's Control:

In the centre of the empire, near Pataliputra, the emperor had control.

Loyal officials managed taxes, maintained order, and made sure people followed his commands.

Messengers travelled back and forth, sharing updates regarding law and order, while spies watch for any problems.

Trusted family members and advisors, including Chanakya, supported Ashoka in this important centre, making sure everything worked well in his inner circle.

                                             2. Provincial Rule:

* As we move from the main centre of the empire, the control over power becomes less strict.

* In places like Taxila and Ujjain, governors or royal princes had power.

* Even though they recognized Pataliputra's control, they also kept some independence.

This system allowed them to have complete control over the empire.

3. Controlling Trade and Resources:

The Mauryas focused on protecting important paths like roads and rivers essential for trade and communication.

Chanakya's book, the Arthashastra, shows their planned interest in areas with a lot of resources

The northwest provided warm blankets, and south India gave gold and valuable.

4. Navigating Tributary Relationships:

* Ashoka understood the power of people living in forests.

* He talked to them and set up a trade where they provided things like wood, honey, wax, and even elephants.

* In exchange, Ashoka provided them with protection.

Tribute

Unlike taxes, collected on a regular basis, tribute was collected as and when it was possible from people who gave a variety of things, more or less willingly.

Why Ashoka is a unique ruler of Maurya Empire?

Famous Mauryan ruler Ashoka was the first ruler who tried to take his message to the people through inscriptions. These inscriptions were in Prakrit and written in the Brahmi script.

Winning battles and achieving fame, but something seemed to bother him after every conquest.

His fame is not great because of the lands he conquered but because of the kindness he showed in the later stages of his rule.

But all this change was seen in Ashoka after the great battle of Kalinga.

Ashoka was one of the greatest rulers known to history.

Ashoka's War in Kalinga

Kalinga was the ancient name of coastal Orissa.

The Kalinga War was a major battle in ancient India between the Maurya Empire under Ashoka the Great and the state of Kalinga that took place around 261 BCE: 

The battle was fought on the Dhauli hills on the banks of the Daya River in what is now the state of Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh.

He was horrified when he saw the violence and bloodshed and so decided not to fight any more wars.

The king made a life changing decision which was the first in the complete history.

Even after having a powerful army, the king decided not to invade its neighbouring lands.

Ashoka was the only king in the history of the world who gave up conquest after winning a war.

Ashoka's Dhamma did not involve the worship of a god or the performance of a sacrifice. He had a duty to instruct his subjects and was also inspired by the teachings of the Buddha.

A number of problems troubled him.

1. People in the empire followed different religions, which led to conflict.

2. Animals were sacrificed.

3. Slaves and Servants were ill-treated.

4. Quarrels in families and amongst neighbours.

Ashoka's duty was to solve these problems. He tried to solve them by several ways.

He appointed officials, known as the dhamma mahamatta, who went from place to place teaching people about dhamma.

His messages were inscribed on rocks and pillars.

He instructed his officials to read his message to those who could not read it themselves.

He also sent messengers to spread ideas about dhamma to other lands, such as Syria, Egypt, Greece and Sri Lanka.

Ashoka sent his son(Mahendra) and his Daughter (Sanghmitra) to Sri Lanka to spread his Dhamma.

He built roads, dug wells, and built rest houses and arranged for medical treatment for both human beings and animals. 

His policies include:

• Religious tolerance for all faiths.
• Animal welfare—he banned animal sacrifices and encouraged humane treatment.
• Social welfare—he built hospitals, rest houses, and wells for both people and animals.

Which are the dhamma principles of Ashoka?

• Ahimsa (non-violence) and truthfulness should be practised
• Respect slaves and servants.
• Respect all religions.
• Parents must be obeyed and respected, and teachers must be revered.
• Brahmanas and Buddhist monks should be respected. Give gifts to them.
• Abolition of death sentences.
• Animal sacrifices and the killing of birds are prohibited.
• Inappropriate rituals and superstitious practices are discouraged.
• Building wells and rest houses, as well as planting trees.
• Human and animal health care to be provided.
• Provisions to help the poor and the elderly.
  
  NEW KINGDOMS AND EMPIRE (QUESTIONS)
  
  1. What makes Ashoka's Lion Capital at Sarnath special?
  

  Ashoka’s Lion Capital at Sarnath is a significant symbol of India’s heritage and has been adopted as the national emblem. It features four Asiatic lions standing back to back, symbolizing Ashoka’s rule over the four cardinal directions. The lions represent power, courage, pride, and confidence.

  The capital sits on a circular abacus adorned with a Dharma Chakra (Wheel of Dharma), representing Buddha’s teachings and the principles of dharma. Other animals depicted include:

  • Horse – Energy, power, and speed
  • Bull – Strength
  • Elephant – Wisdom and long life

  The Lion Capital reflects Ashoka’s dharma principles, emphasizing justice, peace, and righteousness.
  
  2. 

  The Greatness of the Mauryan Empire

  The Mauryan Empire was one of the greatest empires in India, known for its large territory, strong government, and cultural achievements.

  Chandragupta Maurya started the empire by defeating the Nanda king in 322 BCE and made Pataliputra his capital.
  He was helped by Chanakya (Kautilya), a wise teacher who wrote the Arthashastra, a book about good governance, economy, and law.

  With Chanakya’s guidance, Chandragupta expanded his empire across India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Later, he became a Jain monk and spent his life in peace.

  The empire became even greater under Ashoka the Great (268–232 BCE). After the Kalinga War, he followed Buddhism and spread messages of peace, kindness, and non-violence. His teachings are still remembered today.
  
  3. How did they administer their territory? 
  

  The Mauryan rulers controlled their vast empire through a well-planned system of administration.

  1. Centralized Rule:

     • The emperor ruled from Pataliputra with the help of trusted officials and advisors like Chanakya.
     • Officials collected taxes, maintained law and order, and sent reports through messengers and spies.

  2. Provincial Rule:

     • The empire was divided into provinces like Taxila and Ujjain, ruled by governors or royal princes.
     • These rulers followed the emperor’s orders but had some independence.

  3. Trade and Resources:

     • The Mauryas protected roads and rivers to ensure smooth trade.
     • Different regions provided valuable goods, such as gold from South India and warm blankets from the northwest.

  4. Relationship with Tribes:

     • Ashoka made peaceful agreements with forest tribes.
     • In return for wood, honey, and elephants, he gave them protection.

  5. Tribute System:

     • Unlike regular taxes, tribute was collected whenever possible.
     • People gave different items willingly as a sign of respect to the emperor.
       

       Why Ashoka is a Unique Ruler of the Mauryan Empire?

       Ashoka was a unique ruler because he was the first to spread his message through inscriptions in Prakrit using the Brahmi script. His greatness was not just in winning battles but in his kindness and concern for his people.

       The Change After the Kalinga War

       • The Kalinga War (261 BCE) was a turning point in Ashoka’s life.
       • Seeing the violence and destruction made him give up war forever.
       • He became the only king in history to stop conquest after winning a war.
       • He decided to follow Budha principles and teach people about Budha's message. 
       
       

       Ashoka’s Dhamma and His Duties

       Ashoka introduced Dhamma to create peace and harmony in his empire. It was not a religion but a way of living based on kindness and justice.

       1. Solving Problems in Society:

          • Stopped animal sacrifices.
          • Treated slaves and servants with kindness.
          • Encouraged family unity and peaceful relations.
          • Promoted respect for all religions.

       2. Ways He Spread His Message:

          • Appointed Dhamma Mahamattas to teach people about Dhamma.
          • Carved inscriptions on rocks and pillars for people to read.
          • Sent messengers to Syria, Egypt, Greece, and Sri Lanka.
          • Sent his son and daughter to Sri Lanka to spread Dhamma.

       3. Public Welfare Efforts:

          • Built roads, wells, and rest houses for travelers.
          • Provided hospitals and medical care for both humans and animals.

       Ashoka’s Dhamma Principles

       • Ahimsa (Non-violence) and truthfulness.
       • Respect for slaves, servants, teachers, monks and parents.
       • Respect all religions and do not criticise other's religion. 
       • No animal sacrifices or superstitions or unwanted rituals.
       • Abolition of the death penalty.
       • Caring for the poor, elderly, and sick.