🦁 Chapter 05 · Ancient India · Indian History

Mauryan Empire

Chandragupta Maurya, Bindusara, Ashoka — administration, Dhamma, Arthashastra, Megasthenes, decline. Complete UPSC & PSC notes.

Sub-Topics

Practice MCQs

PYQs

⭐⭐⭐

Very High

✅ Chandragupta Maurya’s rise & Kautilya’s Arthashastra

✅ Megasthenes’ Indica & Seleucus defeat

✅ Mauryan central & provincial administration

✅ Ashoka — Kalinga War, Dhamma policy, edicts

✅ 14 Major Rock Edicts & 7 Pillar Edicts

✅ Mauryan art — Ashokan pillars, lion capital, Sanchi Stupa

📚 Chapter Sub-Topics — Click to Read

Topic 01

Chandragupta Maurya & Kautilya

Chandragupta’s rise, Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Seleucus defeat, Megasthenes’ Indica, Chandragupta’s abdication.

Topic 02

Mauryan Administration

Central administration, provinces, districts, spy system, army, revenue — Mauryan governance structure.

Topic 03

Ashoka — Life & Dhamma

Kalinga War (261 BCE), conversion to Buddhism, Dhamma policy, Ashoka’s edicts — Major Rock Edicts, Pillar Edicts.

Topic 04

Ashokan Edicts & Inscriptions

14 Major Rock Edicts, 7 Pillar Edicts, Minor Rock Edicts — content, locations, significance.

Topic 05

Mauryan Art & Architecture

Ashokan pillars, Sanchi Stupa, Pataliputra palace, lion capital (national emblem), Mauryan sculpture.

Topic 06

Decline of Mauryan Empire & Revision

Causes of decline, Pushyamitra Shunga, post-Mauryan period, complete chapter revision checklist.

⚡ Quick Access