Mauryan Empire Flashcards
What is the Arthashastra? Talk about what it deals with.
The Arthashastra is the most important literary source written by Chanakya. It deals with politics, rules of diplomacy, principles of administration and other political topics.
Who was Megasthenes?
Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador sent to Chandragupta Maurya’s court by the Greek ruler Seleucus Nicator. He wrote the Indika which contains impressions of what he saw and heard during his stay.
What is an edict? Describe the Ashokan edicts.
An edict is a decree issued by a Sovereign. The Ashokan edicts are the most important, well preserved and precisely dated record of history. There are 14 rock edicts and 7 pillar edicts inscribed throughout the country. They tell us about the life and ideals of Ashoka as well as the Mauryan Empire.
State one rock edict.
Edict for protection of animals and prohibition of killing of animals, restrains the number that can be killed and condemns cruelty to them.
Who built the Sanchi Stupa and where?
- Ashoka, 45 km from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh
Describe the structure of the Sanchi Stupa.
The Stupa is a spherical dome structure made of unburnt bricks and stones. It contains a casket containing relics of Buddha like his hair, teeth etc in the dome.
What do the carved panels on the Sanchi Stupa depict?
- Events from Buddha’s life as well as some stories from Jataka stories. Buddha is depicted as a lotus, wheel or a peepal tree.
Who founded the Mauryan Empire? How?
It is believed that Chandragupta Maurya was dismissed from service in the Nanda Empire before he met Kautilya who too was wronged by the Nandas. Together, they defeated the Nandas at their capital in Pataliputra in a series of battles and founded the Mauryan dynasty.
Who is Seleucus? What territories did Chandragupta gain from defeating him?
Seleucus was a former general under Alexander who decided to attack India. After defeating him, Chandragupta got control over Kabul, Kandahar, Baluchistan and Herat.
What was the extent of Chandragupta’s empire?
His Empire extended from Kabul and Kandahar in the north-west to Mysore in the south, from Bengal in the east to Saurashtra in the west.
Who ascended the throne after Chandragupta? What was he also known as and why?
- Bindusara
- Also known as ‘slayer of foes’ as he conquered many parts in South India after defeating 16 rulers yet, maintained friendly relations with Greece.
What titles did Ashoka take?
- Devanampriya (Beloved of Gods
- Priyadarshi (Beautiful One)
Mention 3 effects of the Kalinga War.
- Ashoka abandoned the policies of ‘conquest by force’ and his ambition of ‘victory in all directions’ and embraced the policy of religion.
- He declared Buddhism as the State religion
- The war prisioners were used for agricultural purposes which benefitted the economy.
State the extent of Ashoka’s empire.
From Hindukush in the north west to River Pennar in the south.
State 3 advantages of Ashoka’s Pan India character.
- Resulted in disappearance of small states
- Enabled rulers to face foreign invasions well.
- Facilitated trade and commerce with frontier provinces as wells as middle eastern and Greek cities.
