Ancient History of India Series - Lecture 9- Rise of Mauryan Empire - GS History by Aadesh - UPSC

Today, we will talk about the region where the first empire of Ancient India was formed. Yes, we will know how the Magda rises from a major highway to the Empire. Meanwhile, we will talk about Alexander's famous inventions and finally move towards the foundation of the Mauryan Empire. Let's start with the geography of Magda. Geography of Magadha Magadha was one of the great Janapadas. It covered the present-day Patna, Gaya, Nalanda, and Shahabad districts. Avanti was in the west, Kosala in the northwest, and Vajji in the north. Its capital was Rajgriha, which later shifted to become Pataliputra. This area was the source of the fertile, sown, and rich iron mines. Now we know about the political history of Magadha. Political History of Magadha Bimbisara is considered the first important ruler of Magadha, who was a contemporary of the Buddha. Bimbisara belonged to the Haryanka dynasty. He was the king of Magadha until 52 years. Rafli from 544 B.C. to 492 B.C. Bimbisara expanded Magadha's territory through marriage alliances and war. They get a part of Kashi in the dowry when they marry the princess of Koshal. It is defeated in the war. Marriage to the Licchavi princess of Vaisali enhances Magadha's diplomatic power. It is said that Bimbisara is imprisoned and killed by his own son Ajatashatru. But the death of Bimbisara did not mean that the power of Magadha would decline. The Magadhan power grows even more under the Huna invaders, who sit on the Magadhan throne in 492 B.C. The Ajatasatru ruled until 460 B.C. After that, Udayana became the king of Magadha. They build a fort at the confluence of the Ganges and Son rivers. After the Edayin, a new Dinosaur comes in the form of a baby Nag in Magadha. Its greatest strength was destroying Avanti's power. The infant dragon does not live long, and in its place comes the Nand dragon. Nand Dainesti is also known as India's first Empire Builder. Now let's go into a bit more detail about the powerful Nand Dainesti. The Story of Nand Dinosaur Nanda dynasty ruled Magadha between 343 and 321 B.C. Its founder was Mahapadma Nanda, who in ancient texts is said to have exterminated the Kshatriya class. Because they defeated all the ruling dynasties of northern India, such as the Panchalas, Kurus, Asmaka, Ikshvaku, and Sura Sena, and annexed their states. India and the Greek Romans refer to them as the Low Birth. The Buddhist texts refer to them as the Annona Lineages. All sources mention nine rulers of the Nanda Dynasty. But their names are You can see the difference in all of them. The last Nanda king, Dhannanda, is said to be They were the sons of Mahapadmananda. They had a broad chest. According to Greek sources, Nand's chest. 20,000 calories, 200,000 infantry, Mahapadmananda also conquers Kalinga. The last Nanda ruler ruled during the time of the Nandas. Alexander's invention is in India. But Alexander's army was in the east. It does not advance to face the Magadha army. Therefore, Alexander and Dhannananda never meet face to face. But Dhannanand becomes unpopular because of his rude behavior and oppressive tax policies. Now we understand what reasons there were that only Magadha among the sixteen Mahajanapadas succeeded in forming an empire. Kouassi and Magda's success Many factors contributed to Magda's success. The second factor was Magadha's geographical location. There was a Rich Ion Mine here. So that the rulers of Magadha could obtain a steady supply of weapons. The Maghreb was a fertile area. Therefore, even the agricultural serpents were more attentive here. Those who could collect the Agya tax form. There was also an elephant supply in this region. It helps in forming a powerful army. In addition, the strategic location of their capitals was also a factor in their success. The first capital, Rajgir, was surrounded by five hills. It was difficult to conquer him. The second capital, Pataliputra, was located at the confluence of several rivers such as the Ganges, Gandak, Son, and Sone. Therefore, it was also called a water front or a water fortress. It was not the AG's intention to capture this either. Because they could collect toll taxes on the development of trade and commerce. This tax helps maintain a large army. This combination of factors contributes to Magda's success in becoming Empire One. The rise of Magadha was also an important historical event. It was Alexander's invention. Let's also find out about him. Alexander's Invasion of India The Magadha Empire was located on the northwest border of the Erythraean Empire. A fight was taking place between the Greeks and the Etruscans in the 4th century BC for world supremacy. Alexander also had a passion for geographical knowledge and natural history. India was far more fertile and productive than Alexander's empire. This was also a reason for their India innovation. The political conditions in North-West India also suited Alexander's plan. Because this area was a divide between many independent, silent, and tribal republics. It was easy for Alexander to defeat them one by one. Alexander enters India via the Khyber Pass in 326 B.C. It takes them five months to reach the Indus River. Ambhi, who surrendered to Alexander on the banks of the Indus. And many gifts were given to Alexander. After that, when Alexander arrives in Gela, he faces Porus. Poros, the king of the Kingdom of Absar, was. The battle of Gaugamela takes place between Porus and Alexander. Alexander defeats Porus, but is greatly impressed by Porus's bravery and courage. Therefore, they return Porus his kingdom and make him their ally. They move forward to Bias. Alexander wanted to go even further. But their army stops them from moving forward. Greek soldiers had been fighting continuously for ten years. The hot climate in India was also not to their liking. They had also heard about the strong army of Magadha. And they didn't want to face it. They still do not listen to him despite Alexander's repeated requests. And Alexander, whom no enemy could defeat. Back to the time of Alexander the Great, many small republics Siboi, Agalsoui, Kshudrakaj, Mallaj are also destroyed. Alexander arrives in Babylon in 323 BC. Alexander lives in India for ninety-nine months. They divide their territorial possessions into three parts. And they appoint a Greek governor in each. They also keep some city funds here. That was the story of Alexander's engine. Now let's understand its effect. Indevjin doesn't have it. Alexander's engines served ancient Europe and ancient India. They have close contact for the first time. Four new land and sea routes open up as a result of this invasion, Between India and Greece. This increases the arrival of Greek merchants and craftsmen in India. And trade facilities increase even more. The cities that Alexander found in India, Like Bukefella, Alexandria, etc. There are a large number of Greeks living there. Alexander sees the ocean for the first time. At the mouth of the Indus. They had a deep interest in its geography. Therefore, he was a naval officer, They have a fleet under Neacus's leadership. o explore the coast. Greek historians wrote about Alexander's campaigns Clearly dated records are also provided. They help us with the next events. Getting the right chronology right. This is the Alaba, these historians have given us social and They also provide important information about economic conditions. As in the case of the sati practice. Information is also available about the fine breed of oxen in the Northwest. Alexander sends 200,000 oxen from here to Macedonia. Destroying the most remote states of the Northwest Alexander also clears the way for the expansion of the Mauryan Empire. Then we can say that Alexander's invasion was not only political Rather, social, economic, and cultural effects are also observed. Friends, so far we have seen how Magad is a great king. It gradually increases its power. And becomes India's first empire under the Nand dynasty. Its power was so great that even Alexander's soldiers advanced forward. They are afraid. Also, we examined Alexander's invasion and its long-term effects. Go. Now we will talk about the Mauryan Empire, which was the first to It established a pan-India empire. Then we begin with Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan dynasty. From the story, the last ruler of the Nanda dynasty around 321 BC The Mauryan dynasty began after Dhananand was defeated. We have different views regarding the birth of Chandragupta Maurya. It is. More often, historians describe the Maurya family as of low caste or tribal origin. It is. In Buddhist sources, Chandragupta Maurya is considered the founder of the Maurya clan of the Pipal Vahana. It is reported. The name Maurya is also derived from the Maurya tribe. The Mauryas are described as Shudras in Purana. Greek sources also refer to Chandragupta as of low origin. It is also said that Chandragupta Maurya was abandoned by his parents. He was from a humble background. According to the legend, they were raised by a pastoral family. On the other hand, Chanakya was looking for a man who could be trusted. Those who can help end the Nand Dynasty. Chandragupta was playing with his friends. When Chanakya first sees them. Chanakya is impressed by Chandragupta's leadership skills and adopts him, providing him with training. Now we know how Chandragupta becomes the king of Magadha. The Rise of Chandragupta to Power Chandragupta builds his own army with the help of Chanakya. They capture the area in the Northwest with the help of the army. After Alexander's death, the situation was such that there was no powerful ruler. Therefore, it was very easy to win. After that, he defeats the Nanda ruler's army and becomes the king of Magadha in 321 BC. The details of the battle between Dhannanada and Chandragupta Maurya are not found in historical sources. We just know that Chandragupta Maurya's victory and the end of the Nanda dynasty's rule. Now learn about some of the achievements after Chandragupta Maurya became king. The achievements of Chandragupta Maurya The first challenge of Chandragupta Maurya on the military front was... Encounter with Seleucus Nicator Round in 305 BC The areas west of the Indus River were ruled by Seleucus Nicator. These were governors of Alexander. In the war between Chandragupta Maurya and Seleucus Nicator, Chandragupta wins. A peace treaty was established between them around 303 BC. They give the area of Selucus Nicator, Eastern Afghanistan, Baluchistan, and the west of the Indus to Chandragupta Maurya. There is also a marriage alliance between them. It is said that Selucus Nicator married his daughter to Chandragupta. Megasthenes lived in the Mauryan court for many years and wrote a book called Indica. We will learn more about it because it becomes an important historical source of the Mauryan Empire. In addition, historians believe that Chandragupta also established his control in Western India and the Deccan. Only parts of today's Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and East India were not part of Chandragupta Maurya's empire. But we don't get the details of winning different parts. Greek writers only mention that Chandragupta Maurya defeats the entire country with an army of 600,000. Their control was in Saurashtra or Kathiawar. This statement is confirmed by the Junagadh Rock Inscription of Rudradaman. It is written that the governor of Chandragupta Maurya, Pushyagupta, built the famous Sudarshana Lake here. Then we can say that Chandragupta Maurya successfully established a great empire. They leave Rajgadhi in their son's favor and go to Kharanathka with Jain monk Bhadrabahu. Here, Jain religious centers spend the rest of their lives in Shravan Bellagola. Finally, Jain practice leads to a second death through slow starvation. Do you know now? About the successor of Chandragupta Maurya, Bindusara Point Sara. And their son was Dhritharashtra. According to a legend, Chanakya in small doses is Chandragupta Maurya used to add poison to his food. So that their body becomes a yew. And even when poisoned by Animes. According to, in the last stage of pregnancy, Some eat the food prepared for Chandragupta Maurya. Chanakya understands that Dordhara will not survive anymore. Therefore, they make the decision to save the unborn child. And they save the child by cutting the Vam of Dordhara with a sword. The point that was named later, Bindusara. In 297 BCE, after Chandragupta moved south. King Bindusara becomes king. They are called Emetrokathes in Greek sources. They are also called the Slayer of the Enemies, or the one who destroys the enemies. Historical sources provide detailed accounts of Lincoln's victories. It is said that during their rule, the Mauryan Control was established in the Deccan area. They also had contacts with the Seleucid king Antiochus I. They request Antioch to send sweet wine, dried figs, and a sophist. Their release was towards the livelihood sector. After that, a war lasts for four years between their sons for the succession. Where ultimately Ashoka wins and becomes the next king of the Mauryan Dynasty. We will discuss Emperor Ashoka in detail in the next video. She was in the Central Capital Patli Puthra. There were four Provincial Capitals: Tosal, Ujjain, Swarnagiri, and Taxila. Mauritian Empire was highly centralized, meaning all power was in the hands of the central authority. There was a Council of Ministers, also known as a ministerial council, to assist the king. The head of the ministerial council was called the chairman of the council of ministers. The remaining members of the council were Juvaraj, the Crown Prince, Purohit, the Chief Priest, the Senapati, the Commander-in-Chief, and the Amatya, meaning the civil servants and the minister of fire. Besides the Mauryan Empire, there were many officers who were categorized in this way. The first were the Tirthankaras and Amatyas, these were high-ranking officials, similar today's secretaries. These had administrative and judicial roles. The presidents were twenty in number. The second president came after the Tirthankaras. There were twenty presidents, who had military and economic functions. And the third, the ministers, high-ranking officials. The presidents Those that were divided among many departments, such as the Revenue, Military, Espionage, and Police Departments. In addition, there were different officers in the Provincial Administration, such as the Provincial. Here are the Modern District Magistrates, the Sub-Divisional Officer, here, the Tax Collecting Officer, Under the Provincial. Durgapal, here, the Governor of the Fort, Antapal here, the Governor of the Frontier, Aksha Patal here, the General, Akang. Le Picard is the Scrubs and Gopar responsible for accountants' assets. We can say that the Maurya administration system was very developed. Now let's talk about two such sources from which we get information about the Moryyan Empire and the Administration. The Politics of Kautilya, and the Epyllion of Meleager. Kautilya and this economics The scholars of Taxila University, also known as Chanakya or Vishnu Gupta. We just saw that it was they who helped Chandragupta Maurya defeat Nanda. After becoming king, Chandragupta Maurya appoints Chanakya as prime minister. Kautilya wrote the Arthashastra, which is a book on statecraft and public administration. It was written in the Sanskrit language. The original economics was discovered by Rudra Patna Shashastrī, a Sanskrit scholar and librarian, in 1905. Economics is divided into fifteen chapters, the first five of which deal with the topic of internal administration. The next sections discuss interstate relations, and the last two sections cover the remaining miscellaneous topics, containing around 6,000 verses, which is compared to Machiavelli's The Prince. In political economy, theory of the state's six limbs gives us the functions of the state, such as king, minister or friend, army or force, treasury or exchequer, fortress or citadel, territory or domain, and ministers or officials. Besides what we read about the Murray Administration That information also comes from here. Maurice Allais is also known in economics. Details are available. For example, different types of In addition to irrigation types, weighing types, animal types, etc., there were also others. We have already discussed the officers. His name also appears to us in economics. In addition, the king had many duties. It also explains how one should rule, etc., in detail, as economics describes. We can understand its relevance by noting that economics is still studied in political theory today. Now let's talk about the second contemporary text, that is, Megasthenes' Indica. Megasthenes is Indica. Megasthenes was the ambassador of Seleucus Nicator in the court of Chandragupta Maurya. Their book India is also an important source for the Mughal period. Lincoln is not available in the original form. We find this information in the works of later Greek and Roman writers such as Strabo, Justin, Pliny, and Arete. Megasthenes provided detailed information about the Mauryan capital Pataliputra. But we have seen that it is mentioned in the economics about the different types of slaves. We can say that the conditions of the slaves here were not as bad as those in the Western World. Therefore, Megasthenes believes that there are no slaves. In addition, they mention the service classes in the society known as the Four Varnas. This was the class of philosophers, cultivators, herdsmen, artisans, and traders, soldiers, overseers, and counselors. Megasethenes say that two gods are worshipped in India: Heracles, meaning Lord Krishna, and Dionysus, meaning Lord Shiva. So, friends, we have learned how Chandragupta Maurya built the largest empire of his time, starting from a humble origin, and how a strong centralized administration was maintained within this empire. They carry forward their legacy through their son Bindusara, whose story we have learned. And after Bindusara comes Ashoka, about whom we will read in the next lecture.