The decline of the Mauryas, a prominent ancient Indian dynasty that ruled from approximately 322 BCE to 185 BCE, marked a significant chapter in the subcontinent’s history. The Mauryan Empire, founded by Chandragupta Maurya and further expanded by his successors like Ashoka the Great, reached its zenith under their rule. However, internal strife, administrative challenges, and external invasions contributed to its eventual decline. Ashoka’s successors faced difficulties in maintaining the vast territorial expanse, and the empire gradually disintegrated after the death of Bindusara. Economic strains, coupled with the strain of defending the vast borders, weakened the central authority. Additionally, the succession of weak rulers and the revival of regional powers hastened the fall of the Mauryan Empire. Ultimately, the decline of the Mauryas paved the way for the rise of subsequent dynasties in ancient India, each leaving its imprint on the cultural and political landscape of the subcontinent.
Late Stages of the Mauryan Empire
Following the demise of Emperor Ashoka, the Mauryan Empire witnessed a rapid collapse within a span of five decades. Historians attribute various factors to this disintegration of the once formidable empire. At its peak, the Mauryan Empire extended from Afghanistan in the west to Bangladesh in the east, encompassing nearly the entire Indian subcontinent except for present-day Kerala and Tamil Nadu, as well as Sri Lanka. The decline of the empire commenced shortly after Ashoka’s death.
The factors contributing to the decline of the Mauryan Empire are outlined as follows:
Brahmanical Reaction
- Buddhism’s rejection of sacrificial practices, along with Ashoka’s stance against them, led to significant losses for the Brahmanas.
- The Brahmanas, who depended on gifts from various sacrifices, developed an aversion to Ashoka despite his tolerant policies.
- Successor kingdoms that emerged after the collapse of the Mauryan Empire were sometimes ruled by Brahmanas.
- The Sungas and the Kanvas, governing Madhya Pradesh and eastern regions on the remnants of the Mauryan empire, belonged to the Brahmanical tradition.
- The Satavahanas, establishing a lasting kingdom in the western Deccan and Andhra, claimed Brahmanical identity.
- Brahmana dynasties, in contrast to Ashoka’s abandonment, actively revived Vedic sacrifices as part of their rule.
Financial Crisis
- Enormous expenditure on maintaining a large army and paying bureaucrats created a financial crisis for the Mauryan empire.
- Despite imposing taxes on the people, it became challenging for the Mauryas to sustain the extensive administrative structure.
- Generous grants to Buddhist monks by Ashoka depleted the royal treasury.
- To meet expenses, the authorities had to resort to melting gold images.
- The cost of establishing settlements on newly cleared land added strain to the treasury, as initial settlers were exempted from taxes.
Oppressive Rule
- The oppressive rule in the provinces emerged as a significant factor contributing to the empire’s fragmentation.
- During Bindusara’s reign, citizens of Taxila lodged complaints against the misrule of corrupt bureaucrats (Dushtamatyas).
- Ashoka was appointed as the viceroy of Taxila, successfully addressing the grievances. However, when Ashoka ascended to the imperial throne, Taxila lodged a similar complaint.
- Ashoka’s concern about provincial oppression is evident in the Kalinga edicts, where he instructed Mahamatras not to unjustly mistreat townsmen.
- To address the issue, a rotation of officers was introduced in Torali (in Kalinga), Ujjain, and Taxila.
- Despite these measures, oppression persisted in the outlying provinces, leading Taxila to seize the earliest opportunity to break free from imperial rule after Ashoka’s retirement.
The partition of the Empire
- Following Ashoka’s demise, the Mauryan Empire underwent a division into western and eastern halves, a development that significantly diminished its strength.
- Kalhana, the author of Rajatarangini, a historical account of Kashmir, asserts that after Ashoka’s death, his son Jalauka governed Kashmir independently.
- This partition triggered invasions from the northwest, posing further challenges to the integrity and stability of the empire.
Highly centralized administration
- Historian Romila Thapar suggests that the Mauryas’ highly centralized administration became problematic under later, less efficient kings.
- Effective administration was well-managed by powerful rulers like Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka.
- Weaker rulers contributed to the decline of the administration, leading to the ultimate disintegration of the empire.
- The vast expanse of the Mauryan Empire required a capable central ruler to ensure coherence across all regions.
- Weakening central administration, combined with challenges in long-distance communication, facilitated the rise of independent kingdoms.
Weak monarchs after Ashoka
- The successors of Ashoka proved to be feeble rulers, unable to bear the weight of the extensive empire left in their care.
- Following Ashoka’s reign, a mere six kings managed to govern the kingdom, collectively overseeing it for just 52 years.
- The final Mauryan monarch, Brihadratha, faced an overthrow orchestrated by his own army commander, Pushyamitra.
- The first three kings of the Mauryan Empire were distinguished by exceptional abilities and character, while their later counterparts lacked the quality and distinction of their illustrious ancestors.
Independence of the provinces
- Following Ashoka’s reign, the central authority over the extensive empire started to unravel, giving rise to the emergence of distinct kingdoms.
- As previously mentioned, Jalauka asserted independent rule over Kashmir.
- The region of Kalinga gained autonomy.
- According to Tibetan records, Virasena independently governed Gandhara.
- Vidarbha separated from Magadha.
- Greek sources report that a king named Subhagasena (Sophagasanus) took control of the north-western provinces, establishing independent rule.
Spread of the new material knowledge in the outlying areas
- With the widespread dissemination of knowledge regarding iron tools and weapons in the surrounding regions, Magadha forfeited its unique advantage.
- New kingdoms, including the Shungas and Kanvas in central India, the Chetis in Kalinga, and the Satavahans in the Deccan, emerged and flourished, drawing from the material culture acquired from Magadha as their foundation.
Internal revolt
- Under the reign of Brihadratha, an internal revolt erupted around 185 or 186 BCE, spearheaded by his army chief, Pushyamitra Shunga.
- In the Harshacharita, Bana narrates the demise of Brihadratha at the hands of Shunga during a military parade.
- This event marked the conclusion of the Mauryas’ rule over Magadha and ushered in the dominance of the Shunga dynasty.
Foreign invasions
- The formidable Mauryan army deterred foreign invasions from the northwest during the rule of the initial three Mauryan kings.
- Following Ashoka’s demise and the subsequent fragmentation of the kingdom, the Greek king Antiochus attempted an unsuccessful invasion of India.
- However, over time, foreign tribes successfully attacked and established their kingdoms on Indian soil, notable among them being the Indo-Greeks, the Sakas, and the Kushanas.
Ashoka’s policies
- According to some scholars, Ashoka’s adoption of non-violence and pacifism is believed to have contributed to the empire’s weakening.
- The cessation of military campaigns under his rule made the kingdom susceptible to attacks from foreign powers.
- Additionally, Ashoka dedicated significant importance and effort to the promotion of Buddhism.
The disregard for the north-western frontier and the absence of a boundary structure akin to the Great Wall of China.
- Around 220 BCE, Chinese ruler Shih Huang Ti erected the Great Wall of China as a defense against the Scythians, a nomadic tribe from Central Asia, known for their constant movement.
- In contrast, Emperor Ashoka did not undertake similar protective measures on the northwestern frontier of India.
- Fleeing from the Scythians, Parthians, Shakas, and Greeks sought refuge in India. The Greeks, making the first invasion in 206 BCE, established the kingdom of Bactria in northern Afghanistan.
- Subsequent invasions unfolded until the onset of the Christian era.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. FAQ: What factors contributed to the decline of the Mauryan Empire?
Answer: The decline of the Mauryan Empire can be attributed to a combination of internal and external factors. Internally, administrative inefficiency, corruption, and heavy taxation weakened the central authority. Externally, invasions by foreign powers, particularly the Greeks under the leadership of Demetrius and later the Sungas, played a significant role in the empire’s decline.
2. FAQ: Did religious factors contribute to the decline of the Mauryas?
Answer: Yes, religious factors played a role in the decline. The conversion of Emperor Ashoka to Buddhism and his subsequent focus on non-violence and pacifism led to a weakened military stance. This made the empire vulnerable to external threats, contributing to its eventual downfall.
3. FAQ: How did economic issues impact the Mauryan Empire’s decline?
Answer: Economic mismanagement, including excessive taxation and the inefficient collection of revenue, strained the Mauryan economy. The financial burden on the populace, coupled with a decline in trade, contributed to social unrest and dissatisfaction. This economic instability weakened the empire internally.
4. FAQ: Were there any revolts or uprisings that hastened the Mauryan decline?
Answer: Yes, there were several revolts and uprisings during the later years of the Mauryan Empire. The most notable was the uprising in Taxila, which was a crucial economic and strategic center. The discontent among local rulers and communities added to the internal challenges faced by the empire.
5. FAQ: Did the succession of rulers impact the decline of the Mauryan Empire?
Answer: The issue of succession played a role in the decline, especially after the death of Emperor Ashoka. The subsequent rulers were unable to maintain the same level of stability and governance. Weak and ineffective leadership, combined with internal power struggles among Ashoka’s descendants, further weakened the empire, paving the way for its eventual collapse.
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