7.12 Disintegration of the Empire

Disintegration of the Mauryan Empire

2020-04-27 11:51:00

  • Later rulers were Kunala, Dasharatha, Samprati, Salishuka, Devavarman, Satadhanvan and Brihadratha.

Reasons for Disintegration

  1. Disorder emerged in adm due to frequent successions of Kings and whether to follow the Dhamma of Ashoka or dispense it with

  2. Dhammamahamattas had grown powerful and were interfering politically in the administration

  3. Kings that succeeded him were not strong enough to carry with the administration established as overwhelmingly new officials came in leading to a fragmentation of the central authority. This view was put forward by Dr R.K. Mookherjee.

    • Romila Thapar has also supported this theory. Division of empire b/w Kunal and Dasrath contributed to the downfall

  4. Frequent uprisings, collapse of the complex system of spies, military inactivity are some of the reasons for decline.

  5. V. A. Smith and Har Prasad Shastri say that usurpation by Pushyamitra was a strong Brahmanical reaction to the rise of Buddhism and Ashoka's policies.

    • They suggest that Dhammamahamattas were opressing the Brhamanas and destroying their prestige.
    • If this was the case why did the reaction occur immediately after Ashoka,
    • Ashokan's inscription say to respect all religions.

  6. Dr H.C. Raychaudhary saya that Ashoka's pacifist policies made the military and himself weak.

    • Ashoka's policies on non-violence was not absolute.
    • He did not completely abandon death penalties,
    • killings of animals did not stop completely
    • it only reduced considerably.
    • If he was such a pacifist why did he not restore Kalinga to its ruler but instead annexed it.

  7. Economic problems faced by Ashoka has been emphasized by DD Kosambi.

    • He says that taxation was excessive and later phase punch marked coins have shown debasement
    • Suggested that states monopoly on iron and other mines were compromised due to intervention by local chiefs and due to the increase in expanding agrarian economy.
    • Excessive deforestation would have caused more draughts, famines and natural disaster further draining the state treasury in repair and rehabilitation works

    Romila Thapar has pointed that debasement of coins does not suggest crisis it could have been done by merchants following the polititcal crisis that developed leading to hording of coins.

  8. Growth of Local Polities

    • Frequent changing of kings meant that the loyalty of the local chiefs also changed with it.
    • These chiefs were appointed from among the locals to govern them
    • were very powerful often ruling concurrently with the later Mauryas.

More

SOGDIANA Kucha Kashgar pactra 'k e Taxilä G' KUSHAN= ÄRACHOS/AÄ EMPIRE -u(1Kt-3td c.CE) Ma hura GEDROSI NGA EMPIRE wurfaii CHINA Iißutra ATR PS • ---V Barygazå KALINGA Bandhärao. pule. *Pra IS t Is TAVAHAN A aravati PAN AN CHOLAS KING 0M KINCDOjU

PYQs

  1. Do you think that the economic factors were alone responsible for the disintegration of the Mauryan Empire? [1982, 20m]

- ! Mention the points given in above notes

No Economic reasons were not the only factor that was responsible for the disintegration of the Mauryan Empire as emphasised by DD Kosambi.
  1. Examine the administrative system of the Mauryas and discuss briefly the causes of disintegration of the Mauryan Empire. [1984, 60m]

- ! Need to think on Bureaucracy, Provinces, Taxation, Military, Laws, Trade, Religion and Art and Culture, Agriculture and Education

The Mauryan Empire was one of the largest and most powerful empires in the ancient world, and its administrative system was a major factor in its success. The Mauryan administrative system was based on a centralized bureaucracy, with a strong emphasis on efficient and effective government. This system was designed to ensure that the rulers had complete control over the population, and that the resources of the empire were managed in an efficient manner.

1. Centralized Bureaucracy: The Mauryan Empire was ruled by a centralized bureaucracy, which was headed by the emperor himself. The emperor was the ultimate authority and had the power to appoint and dismiss officials, as well as to issue orders and decrees. The bureaucracy was divided into several departments, each with its own set of officials and rules.

2. Provinces: The Mauryan Empire was divided into provinces, each of which was governed by a governor. The governors were responsible for the administration of their respective provinces, and they reported directly to the emperor.
	1. Local Administratoin : the Mauryan administration was divided into smaller units such as districts and villages. These units were governed by officials appointed by the governor, and their primary responsibility was to maintain order and enforce the law.

3. Taxation: The Mauryan Empire had a complex taxation system, which was used to fund the government and its various projects. Taxation was based on land ownership, and taxes were collected from both the rich and the poor.

4. Military: The Mauryan Empire had a powerful military, which was used to protect the empire from external threats. The military was organized into divisions, each of which was commanded by a general.
	1. Spy System : 1.  Spy system: The Mauryan administration had a well-developed spy system, which was used to gather intelligence and monitor the activities of local governors and officials. This system was an important tool in maintaining central control over the empire.

5. Laws: The Mauryan Empire was governed by a set of laws, which were enforced by the courts. These laws were designed to ensure justice and order in the empire.

6. Trade: The Mauryan Empire had a strong trading network, which connected it to other parts of the world. Trade was an important source of revenue for the empire, and it helped to spread the wealth of the empire.

7. Religion: The Mauryan Empire was a predominantly Hindu society, and the religion was an important part of the empire's culture. The emperor was a patron of Buddhism, Jainism etc , and he encouraged its practice throughout the empire.

8. Education: Education was highly valued in the Mauryan Empire, and there were many schools and universities throughout the empire. These institutions provided education to the people, and they also served as centers of learning and research.

9. Art and Culture: The Mauryan Empire was known for its art and culture, which were highly valued by the rulers and the people. Art, music, and literature flourished during this period, and many of the works from this period are still admired today.

10. Agriculture: Agriculture was an important part of the Mauryan economy, and it was heavily taxed. The government also provided assistance to farmers, such as providing them with seeds and tools.

These are the main features of the Mauryan administrative system. The Mauryan Empire was an example of a powerful and successful empire, and its administrative system was a major factor in its success.