Ashoka, The Emperor Who Gave Up War - Long Answer Questions
Chandragupta Maurya, more than 2300 years ago.
Also known as Kautilya, he was a wise man who supported Chandragupta. His ideas are written in the book 'Arthashastra'.
When members of the same family become rulers one after another. The Mauryas were a dynasty with 3 important rulers: Chandragupta, his son Bindusara, and his son Ashoka.
It is a large and beautiful city surrounded by a massive wall. It has 570 towers and 64 gates. Houses differ in storeys. The Emperor appears in a golden palanquin, guarded by elephants.
Pataliputra (Capital), Taxila (Gateway to North-West), and Ujjain (Route from North to South).
The area around Pataliputra was under direct control of the Emperor. Officials collected taxes. Spies kept watch. Other provinces (Taxila/Ujjain) were ruled by Royal Princes (Governors) with some local control.
Unlike tax (regular), tribute was collected as and when possible from people. It could be in the form of elephants, gold, timber, or blankets.
Kalinga is the ancient name of coastal Orissa. Ashoka fought a war to conquer it. However, he was horrified by the violence (100,000 killed, 150,000 captured). He decided not to fight any more wars.
'Dhamma' is the Prakrit word for 'Dharma' (duty). It did not involve worship of a god or sacrifices. It was like a father teaching his children. He wanted to solve problems like animal sacrifice, ill-treatment of slaves, and quarrels.
Officials appointed by Ashoka who went from place to place teaching people about Dhamma.
He inscribed his messages on rocks and pillars. He instructed officials to read them to those who could not read. He also sent messengers to Syria, Egypt, Greece, and Sri Lanka.
Most inscriptions were in Prakrit language and written in the Brahmi script.
Be gentle with slaves and servants. Respect one's elders. Treat all creatures with compassion. Give gifts to brahmins and monks. Do not praise one's own religion while criticizing another's.
A finely polished stone sculpture of a Bull found in Rampurwa (Bihar). It is now in the Rashtrapati Bhavan. It shows the skill of Mauryan sculptors.
It was built 2400 years ago to protect from pastoral tribes (Huns). It took 2000 years to build. Ironically, Ashoka was giving up war at a similar time.
He is guarded by armed women. He never sleeps in the same bedroom for two nights. Food is tasted before he eats.
People there were more or less independent but expected to provide elephants, timber, honey, and wax to Mauryan officials.
An ambassador sent to the court of Chandragupta by the Greek ruler of West Asia, Seleucus Nicator.
The North-West was important for blankets.
It was important for gold and precious stones.
Ashoka, The Emperor Who Gave Up War - Important Facts
Mauryan Empire founded 2300 years ago.
Chandragupta Maurya was the founder.
Chanakya wrote the Myan book Arthashastra.
Ashoka was Chandragupta's grandson.
Bindusara was Ashoka's father.
Pataliputra was the capital.
Taxila was a gateway to the northwest.
Ujjain lay on the route to south India.
Merchants, officials, and craftspersons lived in cities.
Farmers and herders lived in villages.
The Empire covered different languages and cultures.
Officials were punished if they disobeyed orders.
Spies watched the officials.
Royal princes were sent as Governors.
Roads and rivers were controlled for transport.
Tribute was collected from people willingly or unwillingly.
Forest dwellers provided elephants and timber.
Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador.
Arthashastra mentions blankets from North-West.
Kalinga is coastal Orissa.
Ashoka is the only king to give up war after winning.
Dhamma means Dharma (Duty).
Ashoka was inspired by Buddha.
Animal sacrifice was practiced in the empire.
Dhamma Mahamatta taught Dhamma.
Inscriptions were on rocks and pillars.
Prakrit was the common language.
Brahmi is the parent of most Indian scripts.
Ashoka built roads and dug wells.
He built rest houses.
He arranged for medical treatment for humans and animals.
Ashoka sent messengers to Syria, Egypt, Greece.
His son Mahendra went to Sri Lanka.
His daughter Sanghamitra went to Sri Lanka.
The Rampurwa Bull is a Mauryan sculpture.
Ashokan pillars were polished single stones.
Sarnath Lion Capital is our particular Emblem.
Ashoka respected all religions.
Great Wall of China is 6400 km long.
The Wall has watch towers every 100-200m.
Mauryan empire collapsed 2200 years ago.
Shungas and Kanvas followed Mauryas in North.
Satavahanas ruled in West/Central India.
Shakas established kingdoms in West.
Kushanas ruled in North-West.
Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas ruled in South.
Gold coins were used by Kushanas.
Silk Route was controlled by Kushanas.
Kanishka was a famous Kushana ruler.
Ashvaghosha wrote Buddhacharita.
Ashoka, The Emperor Who Gave Up War - Important Dates
Mauryan Empire begins
The Great Wall of China construction begins
Collapse of Mauryan Empire