Mauryan Economy

Between 321 BCE and 185 BCE, the Mauryan Economy held dominion over a significant portion of India, encompassing present-day Iran along with central and northern Indian regions. The era witnessed unprecedented political and military stability in South Asia, paving the way for the establishment of a cohesive economic structure. This stability facilitated heightened levels of trade and commerce, consequently contributing to increased agricultural output.

Table of Contents

Agriculture served as the backbone of the Mauryan economy
Trade was gaining importance during this period
Cultivators comprised the majority of the population
Agricultural taxes were the primary source of revenue
The era saw a transition from numerous small kingdoms and internal conflicts to a more disciplined, centralized administration
Farmers were relieved from provincial rulers’ tax and harvest collection obligations
The Arthashastra principles influenced the adoption of a centrally managed, strict-yet-fair taxation system
Chandragupta Maurya introduced a unified currency for all of India
He established a network of provincial governors and administrators, along with a civil service
Reforms aimed at ensuring fair and secure treatment for merchants, farmers, and traders.

Mauryan Agriculture

The gana sangha system of community land ownership persisted across different regions of the empire.
References exist to state-owned lands called sita fields, cultivated either directly by hired laborers or leased to independent farmers under Sith Adhyaksha’s supervision.
In the latter case, a portion of the harvest was mandated to be paid to the government.
Private landowners, distinct from state-owned lands, were obliged to pay taxes to the monarch.
Village pastures were collectively managed by the entire community.
Levies such as Bali, bhaga, shulka, kara were imposed in the fertile Gangetic plain.
According to Megasthenes, a quarter of the output had to be paid in tax, likely applicable to the fertile region surrounding Pataliputra.
Sanskrit writings suggested that the king could claim no more than one-sixth of the product.
Due to varying land fertility (ranging from one-fourth to one-sixth of yield), a uniform tax across the entire territory seemed improbable.
Taxes were directly collected from individual growers by the king’s officials, bypassing middlemen.
As per the Arthasastra, tax amounts varied based on the type of irrigation infrastructure, ranging from one-fifth to one-third.
The only Ashokan inscription referencing taxes is the Rummindei inscription.
Ashoka, in consideration of Buddha’s birthplace, claimed to have reduced bhaga (soil yield) to one-eighth (atthabhagiya).
Villages exempt from taxation were termed pariharaka, those providing soldiers as ayudhiya, and those paying taxes in grain, animals, gold, or raw materials as kupya.
Communities also rendered free services and dairy products in exchange for taxes.

Mauryan Trade

Robust internal trade encompassed various goods across different regions.
External trade primarily occurred with nations such as the Hellenic (Greek) world and, to a lesser extent, Burma.
Principal exports included spices, pearls, gems, cotton textiles, ivory works, and conch shells.
Common imports comprised horses, gold, glass, linen, and other items.
The trade balance favored India significantly.
Post-Mauryan, trade emerged as a significant source of income, becoming a major earner.
Eighteen crucial handicrafts formed guilds called sirenis, each led by a president (pramukha) and an alderman (jettaka).
Merchant clubs, known as sanghas, were established to organize trade. The state rigorously regulated the sale of goods, imposing a toll tax of one-fifth of the item’s worth.
Merchants’ profit percentages were fixed, and any additional earnings were directed to the Treasury.
The split was 5% for domestic goods and 10% for imported goods.
Locally produced commodities were stamped at manufacturing plants, while imports received stamps at toll gates.
Since the toll was based on the product’s value, it was likely paid in cash rather than in kind.

Mauryan period – Trade route

In the Mauryan era, trade routes were established along major roadways and navigable waterways.
Sea commerce utilized both the west and northern coasts of Burma.
Internal trade routes included the north-south-west route (from Sravasti to Pratisthana), the north-south-east route (from Sravasti to Rajagriha), and the east-west route following the Ganges and Yamuna river courses.
The Royal Highway, running from the Taxila region in the northwest to Pataliputra, was the most crucial route. This road extended eastward along the Ganga to the Tamralipti port.
Tamluk (Tamralipti) on the east coast and Broach and Soparaon on the west coast were the major seaports during this period.
The east coast sea route seemed to have higher traffic compared to the west coast.
The shipbuilding sector appeared to be significantly influenced by the government.

Mauryan Craft and Industries

The consolidation of political power under the Mauryas and the establishment of a robust centralized government had a significant impact on fostering diverse crafts.
Megasthenes, in his seven-fold division of Indian society, designates artisans and craftsmen as the fourth class.
The Arthasastra provides guidelines for artisans and craftspeople, allowing them to work either independently or as part of a group, with the latter system being preferred.
The state also employed certain artisans, such as armourers and shipbuilders, exempting them from taxes but obliging them to work in the state’s workshops.
Textile guilds appeared to be well-established during this period, with the Arthasastra mentioning specialized textile locations across the country.
Cotton textiles were produced in Madhura, Aparanta, Kalinga, Kashi, Vanga, Vatsa, and Mahisa.
White and soft textile dukula were known in Vanga (East Bengal), Pundra (West Bengal), and Suvarnakudya (in Assam), linen textiles in Kashi and Pundra, kshauma, and tree-based fabric patroma in Magadha.
Guilds were mandated to employ hired labor, categorized as karmakaras or bhritakas, considered free laborers receiving regular pay, and dasas, who were slaves.
Other significant crafts and industries during the Mauryan period included metallurgy, pottery, woodworking, and stone cutting.

Mauryan Economy and Currency

The Maurya period witnessed a surge in commerce, leading to an increased popularity of cash, a trend that had already commenced in history.
Money served a broader purpose than just facilitating trade; it was also employed for payments to government authorities.
The imperial currency of the Mauryas predominantly consisted of punch-marked silver coins featuring peacock, hill, and crescent emblems, known as pana.
Copper coins with punch marks were relatively rare.
Token currency included copper masika, with kakini representing quarter-pieces of masika.
According to Kautilya, state officials overseeing currency matters were known as suvarn adhyaksa, laksamana adhyaksa, and rupadarshaka.

Mauryan Other source of Revenue

The Arthasastra notes the existence of a state-owned mine (khani) and the production of salt and wine.
Megasthenes indicates that shipbuilding and the manufacturing of armaments were exclusive royal enterprises, utilizing slave labor in mines and industries.
The state, acting as the predominant trader, had officials like Panyadhyaksa, Mudradhyaksa, Koshagar Adhyaksa, Pautvadhyaksa, and Sulkadhyaksa, all operating under the Samaharta. Their role involved establishing systems to control adulteration, ensure accurate weights and measurements, and collect tolls.

Conclusion

The Mauryan Dynasty held sway over the majority of India, spanning from present-day Iran to parts of central and northern India. In the Mauryan era, agriculture played a pivotal role in the economy, serving as its backbone, while trade was steadily gaining prominence. The predominant occupation appeared to be cultivation, with agricultural taxes standing as the primary revenue source. The period witnessed a transition from numerous kingdoms, small armies, influential regional chieftains, and internal conflicts to a more centralized and disciplined administration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. FAQ: What was the primary source of revenue for the Mauryan economy?

Answer: The Mauryan economy heavily relied on agriculture as the primary source of revenue. The majority of the population was engaged in farming, cultivating a variety of crops such as rice, wheat, and barley. The state collected taxes from agricultural produce, contributing significantly to the economic sustenance of the Mauryan Empire.

2. FAQ: How did the Mauryan Empire manage its trade and commerce?

Answer: The Mauryan Empire actively participated in trade and commerce, facilitated by an extensive network of roads and waterways. The Mauryan rulers maintained a system of internal and external trade routes, connecting different regions of the empire. The state played a role in regulating trade, collecting taxes on commercial activities, and ensuring the smooth flow of goods and services.

3. FAQ: Were there any industries or specialized economic activities during the Mauryan period?

Answer: Yes, the Mauryan economy witnessed the presence of various industries and specialized economic activities. Iron and steel production were notable industries, and the state played a role in overseeing mining operations. Craftsmanship flourished, producing items such as pottery, textiles, and metalwork. These industries contributed to the overall economic prosperity of the Mauryan Empire.

4. FAQ: How did the Mauryan Empire manage its financial administration?

Answer: The Mauryan Empire had a well-organized system of financial administration. Chanakya, the chief advisor to Chandragupta Maurya, played a crucial role in formulating economic policies. The empire had a sophisticated tax system, with revenue collected from agriculture, trade, and various other sources. Officials known as “Samahartas” were appointed to oversee revenue collection and financial matters at the local level.

5. FAQ: Did the Mauryan Empire have a standardized currency system?

Answer: Yes, the Mauryan Empire introduced a standardized currency system. The silver coin known as the “Pana” was widely used for transactions. This uniform currency helped facilitate trade and commerce within the empire. Additionally, the Mauryan rulers issued inscriptions and edicts, providing insights into economic policies, taxation, and administrative measures related to the financial stability of the empire.

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Mauryan Economy – UPSC Medieval History Notes